Hang Seng Index falls below 24000 points, down 167 points at midday with turnover of over $1063 hundred million

Hong Kong shares fell for a second consecutive day. The Hang Seng Index closed at midday at 23963 points, down 167 points, a drop of about 0.7%, falling below the 24000-point mark. Mainland stock markets reopened after the holiday and mainland funds returned, with first-half-day main board turnover rising to over $1063 hundred million; the Tech Index fell nearly 2% to 4113 points, HSBC and Standard Chartered fell 4% or more, while mainland property stocks bucked the trend.