Hong Kong, Shenzhen: Stocks open down as link-up starts

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and Shenzhen stocks fell in the first few minutes Monday as the start of a new trading link between the two markets was overshadowed by uncertainty in Europe after Italy's prime minister resigned.

The Hang Seng Index shed 0.39 per cent, or 86.91 points, to 22,477.91 at the open and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, lost 1.03 per cent, or 21.42 points, to 2,063.07.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.23 per cent, or 40.06 points, to 3,203.78.

AFP