Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

LEADING SHARES ended lower as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of inflation-sensitive US unemployment data. The Hang Seng finished down 189.25 points, or 1.42 per cent, at 13,178.31, from a morning low of 13,074.75. A trader said: "The market's biggest concern in the near term is another 25 basis point rise in US interest rates.".

The Hong Kong Association of Banks left local deposit rates unchanged at 3.75 per cent after their regular meeting. Last week, they responded to the Fed hike by raising rates by 25 basis points.