Hong Kong stocks flat at open

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong stocks were marginally lower in the first few minutes of trade Monday as China's decision to cut the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve was offset by a mainland clampdown on margin trading.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index eased 7.26 points to 27,645.86.

In mainland China the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.44 per cent, or 18.74 points, to 4,268.56.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, fell 0.72 percent, or 15.39 points, to 2,120.88.

AFP