HK, Shanghai Rise On Mainland Factory Data

Hong Kong stocks finished on Wednesday morning more than 1 percent higher as traders welcomed data suggesting the mainland's economic recovery is on track.

The Hang Seng Index rose 1.2 percent, to 23,549.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.5 percent, to 3,238, while the Shenzhen Composite Index rose 0.7 percent, to 2,164.

Most other Asian markets were mixed as traders turned their attention to the first US presidential debate, but there was little initial reaction at the end of the debate.

"The market is starting to price in potentially a blue sweep," Jimmy Chang, at Rockefeller & Co told Bloomberg TV, referring to Democrats winning the White House and both houses of Congress.

He added that while such a scenario could lead to higher taxes, it would also likely see a bigger stimulus package being passed.

But traders were upbeat helped by data showing factory activity on the mainland had improved in September.

Singapore each added 0.6 percent, and Taipei put on 0.7 percent. Manila and Jakarta also rose.

But Tokyo ended the morning in negative territory, while Sydney and Wellington were also in the red. (AFP)

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