UpdateHong Kong, mainland stocks continue to toast 2017 gains but turnover remains low
Shares in major baijiu producers enjoy strong rises as Lunar New Year approaches. Hang Seng Index edges ahead to 22,134
The mainland market extended gains into a second day of trading in 2017, but Hong Kong stocks retreated from an earlier rally amid low turnover ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.
The Hang Seng Index ended just 0.07 per cent lower to 22,134.47, retreating from a higher opening, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index shed 0.2 per cent to close at 9,440.99.
“The Hong Kong benchmarks are likely to seesaw within a narrow range and I don’t expect to see turnover pick up before the holidays,” Kingston Lin King-ham, AMTD securities brokerage director said.
“Hong Kong stocks may not find a clear direction until Donald Trump takes office [on January 20].”
Trading turnover in Hong Kong was HK$52.5 billion on Wednesday, which was below HK$60 billion for ten days in a row.
“The capital pool in the mainland is quite tight too,” Lin said, “so inflow to Hong Kong may remain at a low level short term.