Hong Kong, Shanghai: Stocks tumble ahead of factory data

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks sank in the first few minutes on Wednesday following a sell-off in New York, while investors nervously await key Chinese factory activity data for clues about the state of the mainland economy.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong shed 1.23 per cent, or 267.11 points, to 21,529.47.

Shanghai's benchmark composite index dropped 1.50 per cent, or 47.90 points, to 3,137.72.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, lost 1.69 per cent, or 29.67 points, to 1,721.24.

AFP