HSI Edges Up, But Protests Leave Investors Nervous

Hong Kong stocks ended Tuesday morning with small gains following the previous day's sell-off but investors remained on edge with the city facing fresh protests.

The Hang Seng index added 0.1 percent, to 26,947.

"It is the 24th week of unrest and it is still very unclear what can de-escalate the situation," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland.

However, he added: "Nevertheless, for as long as Beijing gives Hong Kong latitude to deal with the protests, it is likely the unrest will only have an isolated impact on financial markets."

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index gained stayed in the red during the first session and was flat as the noon trading resumes, at 2,9108. Shenzhen Composite Index was down 0.1 percent, to 1,611.

Other Asian markets were mixed with investors keeping tabs on the latest developments in the China-US trade talks.

Tokyo ended the morning session up 0.2 percent, Singapore added 0.3 percent, Taipei gained 0.4 percent and Seoul was up 0.1 percent.

However, Shanghai shed 0.2 percent and Sydney fell 0.5 percent. Wellington, Manila and Jakarta were also down.

"Markets have been skittish," Matt Forester, chief investment officer at BNY Mellon's Lockwood Advisors, said.

"We will need more concrete information about the structure and timing of any kind of final trade arrangement, but in the meantime we are operating on scraps of information." (AFP)

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