-- Hong Kong stocks fell on Thursday as a sharp rise in oil prices, driven by concerns over potential U.S. military action against Iran, weighed on sentiment.
The Hang Seng Index fell 335.31 points, or 1.3%, to close at 25,776.53, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index lost 123.77 points, or 1.4%, to 8,681.83.
U.S. President Donald Trump was set to receive a briefing Thursday from U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper on potential military options against Iran, Reuters reported, citing Axios.
Oil prices surged, with Brent crude climbing more than 6% to a four-year high of $125 a barrel amid reports that Washington may consider further strikes on Iran.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell ended his eight-year tenure Wednesday with interest rates unchanged.
Powell said he will remain on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.
Hong Kong financial markets will be closed on Friday for the Labor Day holiday and will reopen on Monday, May 4.
In corporate news, Standard Chartered (HKG:2888) closed nearly 2% higher after posting a growth in first-quarter profit.
Huaqin Technology (HKG:3296, SHA:603296) jumped nearly 4% after logging a 26% increase in first-quarter profit.