Hong Kong Stocks Continue Slide On Political Crisis

Hong Kong stocks ended Thursday morning with steep losses, extending this week's sell-off on worries about violent protests that have plunged the city into crisis for a fourth straight working day.

The Hang Seng index sank 0.9 percent, to 26,326.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.1 percent, to 2,907, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 0.4 percent, to 1,620.

Tokyo fell 0.2 percent by the break after data showed Japan's economy grew at a slower pace than forecast in the third quarter as it was hit by trade wars.

Taipei eased 0.3 percent, while Manila and Jakarta were also down. Sydney rose 0.6 percent, Seoul edged up 0.2 percent and Wellington put on 0.5 percent while Singapore was flat.

Trading floors were edgy as a volatile week continued, with very few details from Washington and Beijing on negotiations for their mini tariffs agreement.

"Risk-off continues to linger seemingly on the lack of good news on trade talks with China," said AxiTrader senior market analyst Stephen Innes. "At this stage, even a date and a location... would be a good thing." (AFP)

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