Hong Kong Stocks End Flat As Market Awaits US Data

Hong Kong shares ended flat on Tuesday after a strong three-day rally, as traders turn their focus to the release later in the day of US inflation data.

The Hang Seng Index inched up just over seven points, to close at 31,601.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5 percent, to 3,310 and the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 0.7 percent, to 1,895.

Most other Asian markets rose but investors moved cautiously as the markets look ahead to the release of crucial US inflation data, which will be pored over for an idea about the Federal Reserve's timetable for hiking interest rates.

Tokyo stocks rose for a fourth consecutive session on a weak yen, while investors remained cautious about the market impact of a cronyism scandal dogging Japan's premier.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.66 percent, to close at 21,968.

Seoul added 0.4 percent and Singapore put on 0.3 percent but Sydney slipped 0.4 percent. Wellington and Taipei were both higher, while Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta fell.

The US dollar edged up but was still struggling against the yen as traders fret about the political future of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, who have both been sucked into a land deal scandal. (AFP)