China's financial markets closed for National Day holiday will resume trade on Oct. 8

Hong Kong stocks fell for a third straight session on Thursday, marking a three-week closing low, as a firmer dollar prompted fears of capital outflows from local and Chinese markets, while a fall in oil prices also dragged down energy-related stocks.

** China's financial markets are closed for the National Day holiday and will resume trade on Oct. 8.

** Hong Kong's main Hang Seng index ended Thursday weaker, losing 467.39 points or 1.73 per cent to 26,623.87, the lowest close since Sept. 12. The Hang Seng China Enterprises index fell 2.21 per cent to 10,547.64. ** China Oilfield led the slide in oil and energy stocks as oil prices retreated, sending the Hang Seng sub-index tracking energy stocks down 3.2 pct to post its biggest daily pct drop since May 25

** The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking IT sector dipped 2.22 per cent, the financial sector was 1.58 per cent lower and property sector fell 1.67 per cent.

** The top gainer on Hang Seng was WH Group Ltd, up 3.38 per cent, while the biggest loser was Sunny Optical Technology Group Co Ltd, which was down 5.46 per cent.

** Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was weaker by 1.71 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei index closed down 0.56 per cent. ** As of the previous trading session, the Hang Seng index was down 9.45 per cent this year, while China's H-share index was down 7.9 per cent.

As of the previous close, the Hang Seng has declined 2.51 per cent this month. ** The top gainers among H-shares were China Gas Holdings Ltd up 2.38 per cent, followed by Guangdong Investment Ltd, gaining 0.87 per cent. ** The three biggest H-shares percentage decliners were ZhongAn Online P & C Insurance Co Ltd, which was down 7.01 per cent, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, which fell 4.94 per cent and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, down by 4.72 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies.)