Hong Kong Slips As New Trade War Fears Emerge

Hong Kong stocks fell on Friday morning after fluctuating throughout the session on fresh trade war fears after US President Donald Trump hit Canada, Mexico and Europe with steel tariffs.

The Hang Seng Index eased 0.2 percent, to 30,417.

On the mainland, the Shanghai index fell 0.7 percent, to 3,074 with no early boost to companies listed on MSCI's emerging market index for the first time.

The Shenzhen Composite Index lost 0.9 per cent to 1,751.

Tokyo ended the morning 0.3 percent higher while Seoul gained 0.7 percent. Sydney dropped 0.3 percent, Singapore was 0.1 percent off and Wellington dropped 0.2 percent.

On currency markets the euro was holding its ground, having surged from 10-month lows on the news from Rome, which brought some much-needed relief after days of uncertainty. (AFP)

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