Hong Kong shares slumped in the first trading day of 2019 as investors digested disappointing data out of China that showed a contraction of manufacturing activity in December, adding to concerns over trade and an economic slowdown. At the close of trade, the Hang Seng index was down 2.77 percent at 25,130.35 points, after posting its biggest daily percentage loss since Oct. 23. The Hang Seng China Enterprises index fell 2.87 percent to 9,833.69.

The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking energy shares ended 4.4 percent lower, while the IT sector closed 2.85 percent weaker, the financial sector ended 2.57 percent lower and the property sector closed 3.22 percent down. The top gainer on the Hang Seng was Hong Kong and China Gas Co Ltd, which ended 0.37 percent firmer, while the biggest loser was CNOOC Ltd, which closed 6.45 percent lower.

Copyright Reuters, 2019