Hong Kong Market Ends First Session In The Red

Hong Kong stocks went into the break with losses on Thursday, reversing earlier gains, following a disappointing US private-sector jobs report.

The Hang Seng Index shed 0.3 percent, to 25,042.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.1 percent, to 3,402, while the Shenzhen Composite Index eased 0.3 percent, to 2,314.

Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney were all more than 1 percent higher, and Taipei put on 1 percent. Manila and Wellington were also in positive territory.

"Markets continue to show unrestrained faith in the capacity of central bank liquidity to chart a relatively smooth path for the global economy out of the Covid challenges," Stephen Miller at fund manager GSFM said.

Traders were keeping tabs on Capitol Hill, hoping US lawmakers will at some point reach an agreement on a new stimulus package, though expectations are not high. (AFP)

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