HK stocks slip to join regional retreat

Hong Kong stocks and the mainland's blue-chip shares weakened on Tuesday, joining a broader retreat in the region, after Beijing kept key lending rates unchanged and stronger GDP data dampened expectations for additional stimulus. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 319 points, or 1.3 percent, to 23,867 on turnover of HK$190.45 billion. The tech index lost 62 points, or 1.5 percent, to close at 4,045 while the China Enterprises Index was 97 points, or 1.2 percent, lower at 8,030. Up north, the mainland's blue-chip CSI300 Index ended 0.5 percent lower while the Shanghai Composite Index inched up four points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 3,735 on turnover of 699.97 billion yuan. The Shenzhen Component Index went the other way to end 16 points, or 0.14 percent, lower at 11,801 on turnover of 756.14 billion yuan while the ChiNext Index lost seven points, or 0.26 percent, to close at 2,739 on turnover of 374.48 billion yuan. The CSI Banks Index dropped 0.9 percent while the financial sector lost 1.2 percent. The gold-related sector weakened 1.8 percent as bullion prices continued to slip. In a sign that policymakers are in no rush to roll out further monetary easing following the strong GDP reading, China...