HSI Ends In Red As Unrest Fears Dominate

Hong Kong shares ended with losses Wednesday as traders fret over protests in the city, fearing a repeat of the violence that hit the economy last year as well as rising China-US tensions.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.4 percent, to 23,301.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.3 percent, to 2,836 while the Shenzhen Composite Index shed 0.9 percent, to 1,774.

Tokyo ended higher as Japan's government prepared a fresh injection of cash to stimulate the country's coronavirus-hit economy.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index was up 0.7 percent, at 21,419 at the close.

Sydney fell 0.1 percent, while Kuala Lumpur dropped more than 1 percent as Malaysia struggled to contain its virus. There were also losses in Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore.

But Tokyo, Mumbai, Manila, Seoul, Taipei and Wellington saw gains.

Oil markets slipped on China-US tensions, and after reports said Russia could begin easing up on its supply cuts in July.

Massive reductions by Moscow and other major producers including Saudi Arabia have helped fuel a surge in prices over the past month, with WTI doubling since the end of April.

But analysts said the commodity will likely continue to win support from the easing of lockdowns, which is expected to boost demand as people get back on the road. (AFP)