HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks fell in early trade on Monday after the city held its first elections since pro-democracy protests last year, while Shanghai eked out early gains.
Shares in Guotai Junan led the market lower, slumping 11 percent after the company said its chairman Yim Fung could not be contacted, and contributing to a drop of 0.49 percent in the benchmark index.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dipped 110.68 points, to 22,644.04, in early trade.
Mainland stocks rose slightly in early deals, despite market jitters that the upcoming resumption of initial public offerings after a months-long freeze could tie up capital.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.15 percent, or 5.47 points, to 3,635.97.
The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China’s second exchange, gained 0.41 percent, or 9.48 points, to 2,295.31.
