Hong Kong Stocks Pare Early Losses To Close Up

Hong Kong stocks pared earlier losses to close higher on Friday, with investors preparing for the start of the corporate earnings season which is set to get underway in the United States.

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.24 percent, or 70 points, to close at 29,909.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.04 percent to close at 3,188, while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on the mainland's second exchange, closed 0.11 percent lower to 1,738.

Markets in Asia were mixed to close out a volatile week.

With few fresh developments on the China-US trade talks, the rally that characterised the first three months of the year appears to be running out of steam, while Donald Trump's threats of tariffs against Europe has jolted confidence.

Data on Friday showed China's imports falling more than expected in March, signalling ongoing fragility in the world's number two economy, even as exports enjoyed a sharp rise.

The readings come after a run of positive releases from Beijing including forecast-beating factory activity and a jump in inflation in the world's second largest economy.

With Wall Street providing a weak lead, Asian equities struggled for direction.

Tokyo finished 0.7 percent higher as the dollar's rebound encouraged buying, while Sydney and Seoul both ended the day well into positive territory. Singapore was down in late trade. (AFP)