Hang Seng index down on conflicting manufacturing data

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined on Thursday as government and HSBC's estimates of Chinese manufacturing activity differed, raising concerns whether economy expanded or contracted in February amid worries government won't provide monetary easing. Hang Seng index dropped 1.35% or 292.12 points to 21,387.96. Real estates shares and financial shares contributed to the negative side of the index. China Resources Land tumbled 6.7%, Agile Property Holdings fell 5.7% and Guangzhou R&F Properties  declined 8%. On the upside Esprit Holdings retreated and added 3%.