Hong Kong shares fall; turnover plunges 23 percent

Hong Kong stocks dropped as much as 341 points on Monday, with turnover plunging 23 percent.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed down 200 points, or 0.75 percent, at 26,344, with market turnover reduced to HK$290.5 billion.

The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 36 points, or 0.58 percent, to 6,257.

Apple reportedly asked to boost production of the standard iPhone 17, lifting smartphone component stocks despite broader market weakness. BYD Electronic International (0285) rose 3.28 percent, Sunny Optical Technology (2382) gained 6.32 percent, the biggest gainer among blue-chip and Hang Seng Tech components, AAC Technologies (2018) jumped 9.81 percent, and Lens Technology (6613) surged 12.7 percent.

In the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3,828, up 8 points or 0.22 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index ended at 13,157, gaining 87 points or 0.67 percent.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 Index climbed 447 points, or 0.99 percent, to close at 45,493 on Monday, marking another all-time closing high.

STAFF REPORTER