A HOLIDAY mood hit the market early yesterday as the index went virtually nowhere on sideways trade and investors kept their money deep in their pockets.
The Hang Seng Index was down just 6.91 points at the close and trading stayed in a 65-point range, finishing at 9,920.88.
Turnover dropped to a light $2.85 billion from Tuesday's adjusted $3.23 billion.
The blue chips ended mixed, with 15 of the 33 falling, 14 making gains and four closing even. Brokers said investors were moving to the sidelines before next week's Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington decides whether or not to lower interest rates.
A cut was still widely expected on December 19. A government land auction next week also was being awaited by many, as it was seen as a good indicator for future movement of the residential property market.
China's sentencing of dissident Wei Jingsheng, who will spend 14 years in jail, was ignored by investors.
