HSI Ends Flat, Shanghai Rises On Mainland GDP Data

Hong Kong stocks ended flat on Wednesday after some analysts suggested that mainland's forecast-beating growth could see the country's leaders ease back on economic stimulus.

The Hang Seng Index closed slightly lower, dipping just over five points, to 31,124.

On the mainland, shares ended higher. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.3 percent, to 3,263 while the Shenzhen Composite Index added 0.7 percent, to 1,772.

Most other Asian markets rose as Beijing's data added to a broadly upbeat mood on trading floors.

Tokyo ended 0.3 percent higher, while Singapore gained 0.4 percent, with Wellington, Taipei, Bangkok and Manila all up.

Sydney eased 0.3 percent and Seoul slipped 0.1 percent.

Beijing's figures were "providing some relief that the slowdown in the world's second-largest economy is not as bad as feared", said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "The latest... numbers give cause for hope."

Forex traders took the opportunity to push into higher-yielding, riskier assets.

The US dollar dipped against the euro and pound as well as the Australian dollar, Mexican peso and South African rand, among others.

But it was up against the Japanese yen, which is considered the safe bet in times of turmoil. (AFP)