Hong Kong stocks close sharply lower
Hong Kong shares finished with another big loss on Thursday as investors nervously follow developments in the Middle East, fearing an escalation of the Israel-Hamas crisis. The Hang Seng Index tumbled 2.46 percent, or 436 points, to 17,295. The Shanghai Composite Index dived 1.74 percent, or 53.32 points, to 3,005, while the Shenzhen Composite Index shed 1.51 percent, or 28.03 points, to 1,828. (AFP)