HK Stocks Gain As Traders Await US Stimulus Talks

Hong Kong stocks closed on Friday's morning session with gains as traders keep tabs on US stimulus talks, while the last presidential debate appeared to do little to upset broad expectations that Joe Biden will win next month's election.

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.6 percent, to 24,938.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index was flat early in the second session, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 0.4 percent to 2,234.

Most other Asian markets rose but gains were limited as US lawmakers struggled to hammer out a fresh economic rescue package, while there was little initial reaction to the last presidential debate before next month's election.

"Both sides remain at the stimulus negotiating table as neither benefits from pulling away," said Axi strategist Stephen Innes.

But he said Republicans were "unwilling to compromise on the thorniest issues of financial aid to states and liability protections, and Pelosi is unlikely to hand (Donald) Trump a victory this late in the game.

Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Jakarta were all up, while Sydney and Taipei slipped slightly. (AFP)

______________________________