Hong Kong shares ended their best month in 10 on a whimper on Wednesday, as weakness in Tencent offset a strong mainland property sector after China’s politburo appeared to affirm greater official tolerance for home price increases.

The Hang Seng Index ended down 0.3 per cent at 21,883.7 points after earlier hitting its highest intra-day level since June 5. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong slipped 0.1 per cent.

In July, the Hang Seng benchmark had its best month since September, climbing 5.2 per cent. The H-share index rose 3.7 per cent for its best monthly showing since January.