HK stocks closed slightly weaker on Thursday morning session in narrow trade despite the Dow has risen for two consecutive trading days. The benchmark index opened up 5 points at 20,373. It then headed south, and briefly fell 118 points.
The Hang Seng Index ended down 39 points or 0.2% to 20,328. The H-share index fell 46 points or 0.5% to 8,489. Half-day turnover reduced to HK$25.5 billion from HK$35.2 billion on Wednesday.
The northbound quota balance of the "Shanghai-HK Connect" program was RMB12.84 billion, accounting for 98.8% of the daily allowed quota of RMB13 billion. By 11:33 a.m., the southbound quota balance was RMB9.684 billion, accounting for 92.2% of the daily allowed quota of RMB10.5 billion.
CKH Holdings (00001) softened 0.5% to HK$89.45 as Nomura Research sees uncertainties for the company, noting upcoming Brexit vote and potential outcome of its Italy 3's proposed merger with Wind. CK Property (01113) edged down 0.3% to HK$47.55 as Daiwa Research initiated coverage on the stock with a "buy" rating.
Belle (01880) dipped 5% to HK$4.51 after Credit Suisse chopped its target price to HK$4.1. It was the worst blue-chip performer in the morning. I.T. (00999) soared 9% to HK$2.01 even though its year net declined 33% to HK$209 million. The company declared HK8.4 cents final dividend.
Lenovo (00992) fell 1% to HK$4.95 ahead of its earnings report later today.
Oil prices put on 2% as US reported bigger-than-expected crude inventory decline. CNOOC (00883) gained 2% to HK$9.39. Sinopec (00386) and PetroChina (00857) added 1% to HK$5.32 and HK$5.36.