
HONG KONG -- Hong Kong stockbrokers have raised the alarm over new rules proposed by the city's stock exchange operator that would automatically suspend trading in companies whose auditors have issued unfavorable comments on their financial statements.
The Hong Kong Securities Association, an industry group with more than 1,100 members from roughly 350 companies representing more than 70% of the city's stockbrokers, says the rules would curtail investors' freedom of action, potentially damaging the value of their holdings.