Hong Kong shares end down 0.3pc on weakness in mining

Hong Kong shares posted a first loss in five sessions on Thursday, as weakness in mining companies offset strength that railway-related stocks showed after Beijing pledged more funding for the sector.

The Hang Seng Index ended down 0.3 per cent at 21,901 points. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong also fell 0.3 per cent as bourse turnover sank. Total turnover was about 18 per cent below average.

China will scrap taxes for small firms, offer more help for ailing exporters and widen funding channels to speed railway investment, the cabinet said on Wednesday, in Beijing’s latest efforts to boost the slowing economy.