Hong Kong, Shanghai: Stocks open lower

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and Shanghai shares slumped in the first few minutes of trade Friday, following losses in the US and Europe as traders reacted with dismay to escalating North Korea tensions.

The Hang Seng Index was down 1.31 per cent, or 358.35 points, to 27,085.65.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.73 per cent, or 23.83 points, to 3,237.92, while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, lost 0.67 per cent, or 12.48 points, to 1,860.12.

AFP