HSI down 0.23% at 17,651 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Hong Kong , 03 Sep - Hong Kong share prices closed slightly lower, extending yesterday's losses amid weak Asian markets.

The Hang Seng index closed down 0.23% at 17,651 points after rising 2.6% in August.

In Hong Kong stock market dealings banks dropped as four of China's five largest lenders reported a lower second-quarter profit after following the government's request to slash lending rates to prop up the country's struggling property sector.

Energy stocks also were among the biggest decliners.

Property stocks were higher as they rebounded from yesterday's losses spurred by a survey showing that new home prices in August grew at their weakest pace this year.

The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index rose 0.76% after dipping yesterday 4.69%.

Technology stocks also rebounded today in Hong Kong dealings, with the Hang Seng Tech index up 0.29% after falling 2.08% in the previous session.

AAA-Ver

(RADIOCOR) 03-09-24 12:37:55 (0258) 5 NNNN