China shares flat amid trade talk optimism; Alibaba climbs nearly 7% in strong HK debut

News of a phone call between
top Chinese and U.S. trade negotiators failed to nudge China
shares higher on Tuesday, while Alibaba made a solid debut in a
quiet Hong Kong market.
** At the midday break, the Shanghai Composite index was
flat at 2,906.08.
** China’s blue-chip CSI300 index was up 0.1%, with
its financial sector sub-index lower by 0.26%, the
consumer staples sector up 0.59%, the real estate
index down 0.7% and the healthcare sub-index
up 0.52%.
** Top tra