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Hong Kong Stocks Edge Lower as U.S.-Iran Talks Stall; CITIC Securities Gains on Profit Jump

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-- Hong Kong stocks ended little changed Monday as U.S.-Iran talks stalled, heightening concerns over potential disruptions to energy flows.

The Hang Seng Index fell 52.42 points to end marginally lower at 25,925.65, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 19.30 points to 8,756.32.

U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped plans to send envoys to Islamabad for weekend talks, signaling a pause in diplomatic efforts.

He said Sunday Iran could call if it wants to negotiate an end to the conflict, while insisting it must not possess nuclear weapons, after Tehran urged the removal of obstacles to a deal, including the U.S. blockade of its ports.

Sentiment was partially supported after an Axios report said Iran may prioritize reopening the strait while postponing nuclear negotiations.

Meanwhile, China's industrial profits accelerated in March, marking their fastest growth in six months.

Profits rose 15.8% year on year, up from a 15.2% increase in the January-February period, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics released Monday.

In corporate news, CITIC Securities (HKG:6030, SHA:600030) closed nearly 2% higher after reporting a 55% growth in first-quarter profit.

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