(Yicai Global) Jan. 22 -- The Hang Seng Index, which tracks the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, closed down 1.01 percent at lunchtime today after hitting a three-month high yesterday.

The index was at 26,921.49 after HKD47.74 billion (USD6.1 billion) worth of shares traded hands, though it is still up more than 4 percent so far this year after a 13.6 percent loss in 2018 -- its biggest annual decline since 2011.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, which includes mainland firms listed in the special administrative region, was down 1.24 percent.

Several blue chips were among the biggest losers, including Geely Automobile Holdings [HKG:0175], which slipped 4.87 percent to HKD12.12 (USD1.54) a share; Sino Biopharmaceutical [HKG:1177], which dived 5.3 percent to HKD5.9 a share; and China Resources Land, whose share price slumped 3.6 percent to HKD29.45 apiece.

Editor: James Boynton