Hang Seng declines, realty shares slide

HONG KONG: Shares in Hong Kong fell, pressured by property and banking plays, on renewed fears that the central government measures to cool the mainland's red-hot real estate market could extend to the financial sector.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 1.23 percent to 21813.92. Property shares fell as the central government said it would take steps to cool the mainland property market.

China Overseas Land fell 5.89 percent to HK$17.26, while Shimao Property was down 5.3 percent at HK$15.72.