Hong Kong - Hong Kong shares fell by more than 2 per cent Thursday as oil prices surged higher and gloomy sentiment over global economic prospects increased.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index dropped 461.67 points, or 2.13 per cent, to close at 21,242.78 points. Turnover was 75.8 billion Hong Kong dollars (9.71 billion US dollars).

The losses followed a 1.8 per cent drop in the Hang Seng Index Wednesday, taking it to its lowest level in more than three months. Fears that China will hike interest rates have heightened the bearish mood, analysts say. (dpa)