Major indices tracking the performance of China-related companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange all closed sharply lower on Tuesday.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange shed 240.27 points, or 3.32 percent, to close at 7,005.88.

The H-shares index, initiated in August 1994 and readjusted on Jan. 5, 2009, tracks the overall performance of 43 Chinese mainland registered enterprises listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Hang Seng China H-Financials Index sank 356.01 points, or 3.79 percent, to close at 9,030.13.

The H-Financials Index, initiated on Nov. 27, 2006, and readjusted on Sept. 10, 2007, tracks the performance of nine major banks and insurers of the Chinese mainland.

The Hang Seng Mainland Composite Index lost 54.03 points, or 2.21 percent, to close at 2,386.31.

Introduced on Oct. 3, 2001 with the latest readjustment effective on Oct. 20, 2008, the Hang Seng Mainland Composite Index gauges the performance of 130 Hong Kong-listed companies with principal places of business in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

The Hang Seng China-Affiliated Corporations Index dropped 31.26points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 2,964.57.

The index tracks the performance of 33 locally listed companies with a significant equity interest held by entities in the Chinese mainland.

<i>Source: Xinhua</i>