Losses for Hang Seng, China shares edge up

Hong Kong blue chips fell at the close today after trading in negative territory ahead of China's econmic data tomorrow.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index gave up  0.58 percent, or 138.89 points at 24,006.45.

HSBC Holdings (0005) fell by 1.97 percent at HK$39.80.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index was marginally higher, rising by 0.31 percent at 2,819.94.  The Shenzhen Stock Exchange Composite Index added 0.48 percent at 1,744.39.

In the region, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 average fell by 1.3 percent at 19,290.20. Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 lost 1.3% to 5,397.60. In Seoul, the Kospi edged 0.1 percent higher at 1,858.48 after spending the morning in negative territory.
India's Sensex gained by 0.5 percen at 30,527.24. New Zealand's main index added 1.1 percent while Singapore, Thailand and Jakarta retreated.