The Hang Seng lost 246 points, or 0.9%, to end at 25,782 on Wednesday, shifting from gains the day before amid broad-based losses across sectors. Risk sentiment weakened after U.S. President Trump said a potential meeting with China’s Xi Jinping may not take place, tempering optimism after recent signs of easing tensions between Washington and Beijing. Investors also turned cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data later this week and the Fed’s policy meeting next week. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that some global investment banks no longer expect major monetary stimulus from Beijing for the rest of the year. Losses were partially limited by early indications that the U.S. government shutdown could end this week, as suggested by White House adviser Kevin Hassett. Gold stocks led the fall amid a pullback in the precious metal after a historic rally, with Laopu Gold plunging 8% on a discounted share sale, while Chow Tai Fook Jewellery (-5.6%) and Zhaojin Mining (-2.2%) also fell sharply.
