Hang Seng finishes higher

The benchmark Hang Seng Index edged up by 43 points, or 0.17 percent, at 26,386.

Alibaba (9988) dived by 8.1 percent at HK$228.2,  the worst performer. This came as the mainland authority began an investigation into alleged monopolistic practices at Alibaba and summoned affiliate Ant Group to a high-level meeting over financial regulations, escalating scrutiny over the twin pillars of billionaire Jack Ma’s internet empire, Bloomberg reported.

Tencent (0700) dropped by 2.6 percent to HK$556.

However, Smartphone equipment supplier AAC Technologies (2018) won 7.1 percent at HK$43.9 after it said last night it is considering to spin off its optics business to list in the mainland, the best performer among blue chips.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index was lower by 0.21 percent, or 7.11 points, at 3,375.21. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange Composite Index fell 0.64 percent, or 14.64 points, to 2,266.6.