[HONG KONG] Hong Kong's stock market slid into a bear market as a 7.4 per cent plunge in share prices at Friday's open dragged the benchmark Hang Seng Index over 20 per cent below its January high,

The Hang Seng Index recorded its year-to-date high of 29,174.92 points on Jan 20.

The index dipped below 23,339.94 points, the bear market barrier, when the market opened amid a global rout triggered by fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

REUTERS