Hong Kong Stocks End The Week With Fall, Shanghai Up

Hong Kong shares ended the week on a negative note on Friday following a broadly positive week, with investors fretting over a stalemate in talks in Washington.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.2 percent, to 25,183.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.2 percent, to 3,360 while the Shenzhen Composite Index climbed 1.3 percent, to 2,244.

Data out of the mainland showed consumers were still reluctant to go out spending, with retail sales falling last month despite forecasts of a small increase.

While the drop was shallower than in June, Innes said it showed that it was "going to take more than stimulus and deep discounts on luxury products to get people shopping again".

At the same time, industrial production continued to grow, suggesting the economy's recovery is being supported by the manufacturing sector.

Investors will be keeping a close eye on talks at the weekend between China and the US that will review the trade pact signed in January, though expectations are for the deal to be kept in place, despite increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Tokyo closed 0.2 percent higher while Sydney rose 0.6 percent and Mumbai put on 0.5 percent, while Taipei and Jakarta were also in positive territory.

But Seoul fell more than 1 percent, Manila eased 0.3 percent and Bangkok shed 0.6 percent. (AFP)