Mainland and Hong Kong shares ended lower on Wednesday, led by semiconductor and tech shares, as investors took profits after the previous session marked the sharpest rally in three months.

The Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong stocks fell 0.95 percent to close at 24,892 points while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index retreated 1.31 percent, and the Hang Seng Tech Index declined 3.04 percent.

On the mainland, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index was flat, finishing at 3,867 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed 1.42 percent lower at 14,061.44 points.

The combined turnover of stocks covered by these two indices stood at 2.65 trillion yuan, down from 2.97 trillion yuan on the previous trading day.

Stocks related to precious metals and aesthetic medicine led the gains, while those related to robotics and games were among the top decliners.

Analysts remained upbeat despite the lacklustre performance.

"Despite recent sharp fluctuations in A-shares, we think the trend for overall A-shares and tech earnings to keep improving remains intact," said UBS analysts in a note.

"With the rapid decline in the balance of margin financing, we think A-share deleveraging may be largely complete," they said. (Reuters/Xinhua)


Edited by Tony Sabine