Hong Kong Stocks Slip At Break

Hong Kong stocks finished Monday's morning session slightly lower as surging virus infections and new lockdowns in several countries overshadowed news that US lawmakers had finally agreed a new stimulus package.

The Hang Seng Index eased 0.21 percent, or 54 points, to 26,444.

Mainland stocks started the week on a firm note, as investors cheered Beijing's continued policy support to shore up its economy hurt by the coronavirus crisis.

The CSI300 index rose 0.6 percent to 5,027 at the end of the morning session, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.6 percent to 3,414.

China will maintain policy support for its economic recovery, avoiding a sudden shift in policy, to help keep economic growth within a reasonable range in 2021, Xinhua News Agency said on Friday, after a meeting of top leaders ended.

The annual Central Economic Work Conference, a gathering of top leaders and policymakers to chart the economy's course in 2021, is being watched by investors amid speculation that Beijing would make policy changes amid accelerating growth, following a virus-induced slump earlier this year.

"Setting the tone for stable and continued policies lays a foundation for a market rally, providing opportunities for both growth and cyclical firms," Southwest Securities analysts said in a note. (AFP/Reuters)

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