The figures was HK$45.7 billion lower than end of November, with foreign currency assets and Hong Kong dollar assets falling HK$14.8 billion and HK$30.9 billion

With respect

The de facto central bank of city said in a

Statement.

"The decline in foreign currency assets was main a cause

in-unsettled purchases of securities, which was partly

offset by valuation gains on foreign currency investments and an

increase in Certificates of Indebtedness," the HKMA said.

The decline in Hong Kong dollar assets was mainly due to a

decrease in Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued but not yet

settled, it added.