HK stocks slide over 2% as precious metal and gold routs jolt Asia-Pacific markets

Hong Kong stocks slipped sharply at the start of the week with the Hang Seng Index sliding more than 2 percent.

The jitters were sent by precious metal and tech stock rout which also jolted Asia-Pacific markets.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index, weighed down by broad risk-off sentiment among investors, dipped below the 27,000 level.

Rattling the market were gold-related shares alongside tumbling prices of precious metals.

Gold ETFs fell by more than 10 percent. Tech shares including Baidu, Kuaishou and Alibaba continued their pullback, all dropping more than 3 percent.

The Hang Seng Index has fallen for two consecutive sessions, shedding more than 1,200 points from its recent peak.

It closed the day 611 points lower at 26,775. Stay tuned to the financial report after our News at Seven Thirty for more details.