HSI Snaps Two-day Rally, Regional Markets Rise

Hong Kong shares closed slightly lower on Tuesday following a healthy two-day rally, with a pledge by US and Chinese officials to press ahead with their trade agreement unable to inspire further gains.

The Hang Seng Index dipped 0.3 percent, to 25,486.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index eased 0.4 percent, to 3,373. though the Shenzhen Composite Index edged up 0.1 percent, to 2,280.

Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore all jumped more than 1 percent, while Sydney gained 0.5 percent and Taipei put on 0.9 percent with Mumbai gaining 0.1 percent. Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta were also higher.

Attention is on this week's virtual meeting of central bankers, with the key event being a speech by Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell, hoping he provides an update on the world's top economy and some forward guidance on his plans for monetary policy. (AFP)