Hong Kong, Shanghai shares sink as virus trumps strong data

BANGKOK — Share prices in China have tumbled, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index down 6% and the Shanghai Composite index sinking 4.8%.

The sell-off gathered pace Tuesday afternoon despite the release of strong economic data earlier in the day. It followed the Chinese central bank’s decision not to ease interest rates to spur economic growth.

Stocks also fell elsewhere in Asia and oil prices slid further as Russian forces pounded the Ukraine capital ahead of another round of talks between the two sides.

Markets remain jumbled as investors try to gauge various economic impacts from the war in Ukraine, upcoming rate hikes by central banks and new virus lockdowns in China.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.AP’s earlier story follows below.

Stocks fell Tuesday in Asia and oil prices slid further as Russian forces pounded the Ukraine capital ahead of another round of talks between the two…