Heavy hit: The Hang Seng Index plunges to 21,757 Tuesday, down 2,061 points on the previous close.

Financial Secretary John Tsang has urged investors to exercise prudence after the Hang Seng Index plunged to 21,757 Tuesday, down 2,061 points on the previous close and with a turnover of $156 billion.

Mr Tsang said today's fall was caused by external factors, adding all transactions have been conducted in an orderly manner.

Noting Hong Kong's market has sound fundamentals he said the Government will closely monitor developments and co-ordinate with intermediaries and regulatory organisations.

He also urged investors to assess their risk-taking capability before making investment decisions.

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