Hong Kong blue chips rose to a high of 20,173 on the improved political situation in debt-ridden Italy and on gains in the U.S., but fell back from the 100-day moving average.
Chinese blue chips found early support at 19,000, news that China's "big four" banks had increased new loans the last two weeks triggered a strong rebound in higher turnover.
Hong Kong blue chips traded 100 points higher early in the day, but a decline in Mainland markets capped gains. Funds flowed into insurance companies, but automakers retreated.
The first quarter of 2012 appears to be the best for stocks since 1998. Here is a look at are some of the companies that drove one of the best stretches in over a decade.
China and Hong Kong stocks slid lower as optimism cooled about a solution to Europe's debt crisis at the upcoming EU summit meeting. Very thin turnover reflected a lack of momentum.
Hong Kong followed other Asian markets in opening lower partly due to a lack of positive news on European debt from the G20 meeting. Possible credit tightening pushed stocks lower.
News that United Continental and Alaska Air will be using biofuels in domestic flights helped push up stock prices for Syntroleum during the day and Solazyme after hours.
Weakness in China's market depressed Hong Kong prices in early trading. A stronger-than-expected Chinese PMI reading gave the market a lift, but Chinese stocks fell lower at the close.
A strong rise in Asian markets helped Hong Kong and China stocks extend this week's powerful rally on robust turnover. But massive gain could provide mixed signals ahead.
Biotech sector stocks saw major gains and sharp falls on heavy trading as mixed news hit the markets, ranging from a positive court ruling to the death of two study participants.
Emerging economies could be an engine for growth at Coca Cola, Pepsi Co and Caterpillar. With many other safe-havens looking overbought, these three stocks look well priced and primed for ongoing strength.
Hong Kong blue chips surged more than 300 points higher in morning trading following gains on Wall Street on Friday, but lost all of that when China markets fell.
Hong Kong blue chips opened higher after China cut banks' reserve requirement ratio but started to swoon in mid-morning under profit-taking pressure to end slightly lower.
China stocks rebounded after bonds issued by debt-strapped Spain and Mainland markets rose sharply. Late profit-taking trimmed some gains in continued sluggish trading.