Hong Kong: Stocks end 0.68% lower

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong shares slipped 0.68 per cent on Wednesday, ending a three-day winning streak, as traders followed a sell-off in Europe and the United States after the IMF downgraded its global economic growth forecasts.

The Hang Seng Index shed 159.19 points to 23,263.33 on turnover of US$8.40 billion.

However, Chinese stocks ended higher as dealers returned from a week-long holiday, with the Shanghai index hitting a new 19-month high.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.80 per cent, or 18.92 points, to 2,382.79 on turnover of US$29.4 billion. It was the highest close since Feb 20, 2013, when the index ended at 2,397.18 points.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, jumped 1.37 per cent, or 18.32 points, to 1,351.82.- AFP