Local Stocks End With Gains Ahead Of Trade Talks

Shares in Hong Kong rose on Thursday as investors turned their attention to the start of key trade talks between China and the United States later in the day.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.1 percent, or 25 points, to 25,707.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.8 percent, or 22 points, to 2,947 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on the mainland's second exchange, jumped 1.4 percent, or 22 points, to 1,631.

Elsewhere in the region, markets were mixed with investors sifting through conflicting reports about the outlook for the trade talks.

Tensions were already showing this week after the US unveiled restrictions on 28 Chinese entities over human rights violations in Xinjiang and imposed visa restrictions on some officials, while a report said the White House was considering curtailing American investment in the country.

For its part, sources were reported to have said China had narrowed the issues it was willing to discuss as it felt in a stronger position owing to Donald Trump facing an impeachment inquiry at home and a weakening economy.

Tokyo rose 0.5 percent, while Manila and Jakarta also finished higher.

But Seoul shed 0.8 percent, Sydney was flat and Singapore eased 0.1 percent. Mumbai dropped 0.7 percent and Bangkok fell 0.6 percent. (AFP)