Hong Kong: Shares slip on profit-taking after Monday's gains

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong shares finished down on Tuesday as investors took profits following the previous day's rally.

The Hang Seng index fell 0.7 per cent, to 20,288.77, while the China Enterprises Index lost 0.9 per cent, to 8,605.63 points.

Total trading volume of companies included in the HSI index was 1.2 billion shares.

The Hang Seng was up 1.2 per cent on Monday, in the wake of mainland indices which were up nearly 3 per cent in Monday morning trade after regulator comments over the weekend indicated it was premature to consider withdrawing government rescue funds from the market.

REUTERS