Update | Hong Kong, mainland stocks end lower as sentiment remains dented by Yellen’s interest rate comments
Hang Seng closes down 48 points at 23,049; Cathay biggest loser among blue chips (-3.8pc), after Wednesday’s strategic review seen as lacking surprise and detail
Hong Kong stocks stayed above the psychologically key 23,000 level, but ended lower on Thursday, as the benchmark Hang Seng Index lost 0.2 per cent, or 48 points, to 23,049 on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve indicated more interest rate increases would be coming this year.
The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index also shed 0.11 per cent to close at 9,792.
Energy firms led the decline, with China Shenhua Energy, the largest coalmining state-owned enterprise, losing 2.6 per cent to 15.86 yuan.
Cathay Pacific Airways was the biggest loser among blue chips in Hong Kong, as Wednesday’s strategic review by the carrier lacked surprise and detail. Its shares fell 3.8 per cent to close at HK$10.4.
Retail giant Li & Fung, which is also under the Fung family, lost 1.4 per cent to HK$3.43.
Snacks and beverage brand operator Want Want China Holdings was the best performer among blue chips, rising 2.85 per cent to HK$5.