Hong Kong stocks fall for second day following softer overseas markets

Hong Kong stocks fell for a second day on Wednesday, tracking softer overseas markets, with participants staying on the sidelines looking for hints on policy direction from China, which is closed for the holiday this week.

The Hang Seng Index was down 0.52 per cent at 26,985.84, while Chinese H-shares listed in Hong Kong fell 0.23 per cent to 10,730.

The markets in Mainland China have taken a hammering this year as investors fretted the trade dispute could put a significant dent on growth.

Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was weaker by 0.31 per cent while Japan's Nikkei index was down 0.95 per cent.

Top three H-shares percentage decliners were CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, which has fallen 2.32 per cent, Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd, which has lost 2.26 per cent, and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, down by 2.23 per cent.

Top gainers among H-shares were China Gas Holdings Ltd, up 2.97 per cent, followed by CRRC Corp Ltd, gaining 2.44 per cent and Dongfeng Motor Group Co Ltd, up by 2.03 per cent.

The sub-index of the Hang Seng index tracking energy shares dipped 1.04 per cent while the IT sector fell 0.84 per cent. The top percentage gainer on Hang Seng was Swire Pacific Ltd, up 3.74 per cent, while the biggest percentage loser was AIA Group Ltd, which was down 2.44 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies.)