Shanghai stocks end higher in thin trading as HK falters

HONG KONG: Shanghai stocks closed slightly higher on Wednesday as investors weighed economic prospects for the new year, but trading was thin.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.26 percent, or 9.14 points, to 3,572.88. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, gained 0.90 percent, or 20.99 points, to 2,351.35.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ended down 117.47 points or 0.53 percent at 21,882.15, with mainland shares declining on fears China's slowdown will hit corporate earnings.