Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

STOCKS CLOSED sharply lower in line with US and Japanese markets and brokers said the outlook was mixed. The Hang Seng closed 232.84 points or 1.73 per cent lower at 13,187.62.

The index was driven down by Tuesday's fall on the Dow that slid 225.43 points or 2.08 per cent to 10,598.47 after news that the US trade deficit widened to a record $25.18bn in July. All blue chip sectors were sold off, with telecom stocks taking the biggest fall after recent strong gains.