Hong Kong shares dip as HSBC loss weighs down market

Updates prices to market close

- Hong Kong's stock market slipped on Tuesday with a drop in HSBC shares after a surprise loan loss dragging on the market, while mainland Chinese markets were closed for a holiday.


  • Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index .HSIclosed 0.76%lower at 25,889.61. HSBC 0005.HK shares fell 5.2%.

  • HSBC HSBC.L reported an unexpected $400 million loss on private-credit loans linked to a fraud case in Britain.


  • The market mood was wary while a fragile Mideast ceasefire was in the balance as Iran and the U.S. launched new attacks and wrestled for control of the Strait of Hormuz.


  • Despite the backdrop, new listings are booming and Star Sports Medicine 1609.HKstock finished its debut session nearly 120% higher than its offer price.


  • The China-based medical device company, which specialises in clinical sports medicine, raised HK$827.4 million ($105.62 million), with the Hong Kong public offering 7,823.13 times subscribed.


  • "The IPO market is still hot," said Kenny Ng, a securities strategist at China Everbright Securities International.

  • Shares in battery-maker Contemporary Amperex Technology 3750.HK led Hang Seng gains with a 3.7% rise.Last week CATL said it signed a three-year sales deal for sodium-ion batteries, a new technology that promises a safer, cheaper alternative to lithium-ion. HSBC led losses.

  • Regional trading volumes were subdued due to holidays in Japan and South Korea. MSCI's Asia ex-Japan index slipped 0.3%.MKTS/GLOB


  • The offshore yuan CNH= held steady at 6.83 per dollar, even as other emerging market currencies around Asia slumped. It is the best-performing Asian currency against the greenback since the Middle East conflict erupted on February 28.FRX/


  • Mainland stock, bond, currency and commodity markets re-open on Wednesday.


($1 = 7.8349 Hong Kong dollars)