Hang Seng up 0.09% at 17,763 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Hong Kong , 30 Apr - Hong Kong shares closed little changed, underperforming their Asian peers as they took a breather after posting last week their biggest weekly gain since November 2022.

The Hang Seng index closed up 0.09% at 17,763 points after rising almost 9% last week and was on track for a 7.5% gain in April, its strongest monthly performance since January 2023, making it the world's best-performing index this month.

The index was now 20% above five-year lows hit in late January as optimism over corporate earnings and a series of policy support measures to boost investor confidence helped lift sentiment.

Caution prevailed today as investors awaited the latest Federal Reserve policy decision due tomorrow.

Traders also digested mixed purchasing managers index readings from China that pointed to some cooling after a strong first quarter.

Official data showed that in April growth in manufacturing activity in the region's biggest economy slowed slightly less than expected from March, while growth in non-manufacturing activity slowed much more than expected. A private survey however painted a rosier picture of the manufacturing sector.

Shares in property major China Vanke dipped 6.46%, falling the most in 4 weeks and halting a six-day rally, after the company posted soft first quarter results amid a continuing property downturn.

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(RADIOCOR) 30-04-24 11:43:25 (0355) 5 NNNN