HSI Gives Up Gains As Energy Stocks Lose Steam

Hong Kong stocks ended lower on Wednesday as a rally in energy firms was unable to help the broader market maintain early gains, with focus on a key Federal Reserve meeting later in the day.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.4 percent, to end at 31,414.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.3 percent, to 3,280 and the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 0.7 percent, to 1,858.

Energy firms in Asia rose on the back of a rush into oil after data indicated a jump in US demand. CNOOC, PetroChina and Sinopec gained in Hong Kong but gave up some of the day's gains towards the close.

Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.

Sydney rose 0.2 percent, Wellington jumped more than 1 percent and Singapore put on 0.1 percent, while Jakarta and Bangkok were also up. But Seoul was marginally down.

Shares of gaming firm Crown Resorts fell more than 1 percent in Sydney on news that tycoon James Packer had quit as director as he battles "mental health issues". (AFP)