Hong Kong: Shares end 1.21% lower

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong stocks fell 1.21 per cent Monday, in line with a regional sell-off, as mainlanders decided against taking advantage of the launch of a new cross-exchange trading link-up with Shanghai.

The Hang Seng Index shed 290.30 points to 23,797.08 on turnover of HK$83.02 billion (US$10.71 billion).

In mainland China the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed down 0.19 per cent, or 4.81 points, to 2,474.01 on turnover of 199.3 billion yuan (US$32.5 billion).

Hong Kong investors used up the full daily allowance of 13 billion yuan for trading Shanghai-listed stocks about an hour before the close, data showed.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, gained 0.99 per cent, or 13.11 points, to 1,335.73 on turnover of 150.8 billion yuan.

AFP