Hong Kong - Hong Kong shares fell by almost 3 per cent Wednesday as overnight losses on Wall Street and profit warnings from Chinese companies listed in the city deepened market gloom.

The blue-chip Hang Seng Index ended the day down 376.14 points, or 2.9 per cent, at 12,583.63. Turnover was a relatively low 47.6 billion Hong Kong dollars (6.1 billion US dollars).

The Hong Kong slump, the second consecutive day of losses approaching 3 per cent, mirrored falls in stock markets across Asia as US President Barack Obama's inauguration failed to lift global sentiment. (dpa)