Hong Kong shares close slightly higher

HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks closed in positive territory on Tuesday, reversing early losses after Moody's downgraded the debt ratings of six European nations, including Italy, Spain and Portugal.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index added 0.15 percent, or 30.43 points, to close at 20,917.83 on turnover of HK$55.94 billion ($7.2 billion).

Chinese shares closed down on profit-taking and renewed worries over the government's inaction on loosening tight monetary policy, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, ended down 0.30 percent, or 7.09 points, at 2,344.77 on turnover of 66.3 billion yuan ($10.5 billion).