Growth- sensitive counters led gains as midday turnover hit the highest since Dec. 5.

Chinese banks were among the biggest index drags, as were most growth- sensitive counters.

But not all growth- sensitive counters were weaker.

Hong Kong shares rose 0.8 percent to a new 19-month high, with gains picking up in growth- sensitive counters.

Growth- sensitive counters were broadly weaker after China's official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) eased to 50.1 after seasonal adjustments.