Hong Kong Down As Markets Digest Korean Fall Out

Hong Kong stocks ended slightly lower on Friday morning as investors were spooked by Donald Trump's decision to pull out of next month's historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The Hang Seng Index eased 0.3 percent, to 30,681.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index gave up 0.7 percent to 3,152 by the break, while the Shenzhen Composite Index edged down 0.4 percent to 1,820.

Most other Asian markets were muted after Trump's announcement. But Tokyo ended the morning slightly higher, while Sydney and Singapore each fell 0.1 percent.

Seoul was 0.2 percent lower. Manila and Kuala Lumpur also fell but Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were in positive territory.

On oil markets, both main contracts extended Thursday's more than one percent losses after Russia said an agreement with Opec to cap production – which has provided support to prices in recent years – could be up for revision at a meeting next month. (AFP)

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