Hong Kong Stocks Gain On Energy Sector Boost

Hong Kong shares soared more than 1 percent in the morning session on Thursday with energy firms boosted by a rally in oil prices, while investors were also cheered by easing trade and Syria tensions.

The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.3 percent, to 30,672 by the break.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 1.1 percent, to 3,125, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 0.9 percent, to 1,820.

Most other Asian markets also enjoyed a day of gains. In broader markets, Tokyo ended the morning 0.6 percent higher, Sydney climbed 0.5 percent and Seoul put on 0.3 percent.

Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta were also higher.

Energy firms across Asia were boosted, with Hong Kong-listed PetroChina up almost 5 percent and CNOOC 3 percent higher. Woodside Petroleum added 1.8 percent in Sydney and Inpex put on 0.4 percent in Tokyo.

On currency markets, the pound struggled to bounce back against the US dollar after diving from post-Brexit vote highs on data showing a surprise drop in British inflation.

And the upbeat sentiment across markets has provided support to the greenback against the safe haven yen. (AFP)

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