Hong Kong: Shares end flat as China factory activity slows

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong shares ended almost flat on Monday, as data shows that China's factories suffered their fastest drop in activity for a year as new orders fell.

The China HSBC PMI index dropped to 48.9 in April - the lowest level since April 2014 - from 49.6 in March.

Although the weak data stoked expectations of fresh stimulus by the Chinese government, it also adds to worries that sectors such as banks could suffer from the slowdown.

The Hang Seng index ended unchanged at 28,123.82, while the China Enterprises Index gained 0.2 per cent, to 14,459.15 points.

REUTERS