Hong Kong Stays In Red Ahead Of Key US Data

Hong Kong stocks remained in negative territory following losses on Wall Street, with investors tracking US-China trade talks and ahead of the release of key US jobs data later in the day.

The Hang Seng Index was down 0.7 percent, to 30,087 an hour into the second session.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.1 percent in the afternoon trade, to 3,102 while the Shenzhen Composite Index was flat at 1,793.

Most of the major Asian markets were down. Sydney slipped 0.4 percent while Seoul and Singapore each shed 0.8 percent.

There were also losses in Manila and Jakarta, though Wellington and Taipei edged up.

Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.

Oil markets are also awaiting US President Donald Trump's decision on the Iran nuclear deal, with speculation rife that he will tear it up, which many fear could spark geopolitical turmoil and put fresh upside pressure on crude prices. (AFP)

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