Hong Kong: Shares end lower on China economy doubts

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong shares fell on Wednesday as investors waited for more clues on whether a recent pick-up in China's economy was just a seasonal blip or something more sustainable.

The Hang Seng index fell 0.9 per cent, to 20,055.29 points, while the China Enterprises Index lost 0.5 per cent to 8,443.67.

Most sectors fell, but consumer and materials shares rose over 1 per cent.

Strong March data had raised hopes that China's economy was bottoming out from a prolonged slump - possibly allowing the People's Bank of China (PBOC) to be more cautious about additional policy easing this year. But mixed April data so far, weak factory surveys and surging debt levels have fueled doubts about whether the recovery has legs.

REUTERS