Hong Kong share prices closed 0.1 percent lower yesterday with sentiment subdued after falls in regional and US markets, dealers said.

The key Hang Seng index lost 10.49 points to close at 9,857.99 on thin turnover of HK$4.65 billion (US$597 million).

"The Hang Seng Index was weaker today, following the falls in the regional markets," Fulbright Securities General Manager Francis Lun said.

Lun said he expected the market to remain volatile in coming sessions, adding that the index's initial support level would be around 9,800 points.

Taiwan Shares Down 1.4 Percent

Taiwan shares fell 1.4 percent yesterday in thin trade featuring a weakened electronics sector as investors locked in profits following the downturn on Wall Street, dealers said.

The weighted index closed down 68.66 points at 4,755.01, off a low of 4,718.38, on turnover of NT$90.03 billion (US$2.58 billion).

Electronics led the decliners, in response to the weak NASDAQ, with chip giants Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and United Microelectronics Corp losing ground following a fall in their American depository receipts, the dealers said.

Decliners led gainers 398 to 257, with 87 unchanged.

A total of 50 stocks closed limit-up and 11 limit-down.

Nikkei Dips on US Uncertainty

Japanese share prices eased 0.3 percent yesterday as buying by public funds offset uncertainties over US economic policy and fears over fallout from the collapse of United Airlines, dealers said.

The Nikkei-225 average of the Tokyo Stock Exchange lost 23.53 points to end the day at 8,804.52. But the broader Topix index of all first section issues inched up 1.58 points to 856.48.

Gainers led decliners 747 to 569, with 176 stocks unchanged. Volume was estimated at 699 million shares.

"Policy measures of the new US Treasury Secretary John Snow are uncertain. For investors, it is very risky to take fresh positions," said Akira Nakamura, head of equity trading department at Chuo Securities.

(China Daily December 11, 2002)