Hong Kong shares fell 0.26 percent to a five-month low on Thursday, a fifth straight loss, following falls on Wall Street and on concerns over China's economy. The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 57.15 points to end at 21,512.52 -- its worst close since November 20 -- on turnover of HK$54.48 billion ($7.03 billion). Traders are still reeling from data out of China on Monday showing the economy, the world's second biggest, grew at a slower pace in January-March than it did in the previous three months, stoking fears about a recent recovery.

Chinese bank ICBC knocked US oil giant ExxonMobil from its perch as the world's biggest public company Wednesday, ranking number-one for the first time on the Forbes Global 2000 list. Underscoring the power move by Chinese companies to top global rankings, China Construction Bank leaped 11 spots from last year to the number-two spot on the Forbes list of the world's largest public companies. "This year's list again reveals the dynamism of global business," said Scott DeCarlo, the list editor.

Hong Kong shares fell 0.47 percent Wednesday as an early bargain-buying rally was wiped out by a late sell-off by traders concerned about the strength of China's economy. The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 102.36 points to end at 21,569.67 on turnover of HK$62.39 billion ($8.05 billion). Chinese shares ended flat. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dipped 1.05 points to 2,193.80 on turnover of 60.0 billion yuan ($9.7 billion). dan/jah

Hong Kong stocks gave up their early gains to edge 0.06 percent lower on Friday, capping a three-day rally, despite another record performance on Wall Street The benchmark Hang Seng Index dipped 12.22 points to end at 22,089.05 on turnover of HK$49.88 billion ($6.44 billion). Chinese shares ended down 0.58 percent. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 12.77 points to 2,206.78 on turnover of 56.2 billion yuan ($9.1 billion), the lowest close since December 27. dan/jms