HONG KONG, Oct 24 — Hong Kong stocks closed down today, the start of the week after an extended break, as traders responded to fears around US Treasury yields and the Middle East crisis.

The Hang Seng Index shed 1.05 per cent, or 180.60 points, to close at 16,991.53.

Markets in mainland China edged upward, however, with the Shanghai Composite Index gaining 0.78 per cent, or 22.95 points, to 2,962.24, and the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange adding 1.36 per cent, or 24.18 points, to 1,800.90. — AFP