(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 23 mar - Hong Kong shares closed sharply lower as the conflict in the Middle East intensified.

Investors are concerned that potential US strikes on Iran's energy facilities could lead to retaliation and supply disruptions.

These geopolitical risks have driven oil prices higher, increasing fears of inflation and further interest rate hikes by central banks.

Losses were led by property, financial, and tech stocks.

The Hang Seng index dropped 3.54% to close at 24,382.47.

points.

(RADIOCOR) 23-03-26 09:51:00 (0159) 5 NNNN