Hong Kong - Hong Kong shares posted a first loss in five sessions on Thursday, as weakness in mining companies offset strength that railway-related stocks showed after Beijing pledged more funding for the sector.

The Hang Seng Index ended down 0.3 percent at 21,901 points. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong also fell 0.3 percent as bourse turnover sank. Total turnover was about 18 percent below average.