Hang Seng Index Falls 2.9% to 22,971.93 Points at Midday, Heading for Near Four-Month Low

Hong Kong stocks deepened their decline on Thursday, with the Hang Seng Index falling 2.9% to 22,971.93 points at midday, on course for their lowest closing level since 30 June. The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 4.6% as hopes for stronger stimulus measures from Beijing cooled after economic data showed the annual growth target was likely to be met.