HK Edges As Up Market Shuts For A Long Weekend

Hong Kong stocks edged up on Thursday, bringing an end to a volatile week as investors head into the Easter break but with fears of a possible global trade war weighing on optimism.

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.2 percent, to end at 30,093.

On the mainland, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rallied 1.2 percent, to 3,160 while the Shenzhen Composite Index rose 1 percent, to 1,830.

Most other Asian stock markets fluctuated as a volatile week draws to an early close in many markets.

Tokyo ended 0.6 percent higher thanks to a weaker yen and Singapore was up more than 1 percent.

Seoul added 0.7 percent following news that North Korean leader Kim and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in will hold a summit on April 27.

The announcement – just the third meeting between the heads of both countries – is the latest development in the saga that has fuelled optimism for the future.

Wellington, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok fell.

Traders in Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore and Wellington, among others, were also moving to close their positions before the end of the January-March quarter, with the Easter break beginning Friday. (AFP)