Mainland Factory Data Lifts Hong Kong Stocks

Hong Kong stocks rallied in the morning session on Thursday, following upbeat factory data from the mainland and on easing concerns about political turmoil in Italy.

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.8 percent, to 30,282.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.3 percent, to 3,080, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 1.2 percent, to 1,757.

Most Asian equities bounced back from the previous day's mauling while the euro held on to a recovery as fears of turmoil in Italy were soothed by conciliatory noises from the country's two biggest populist parties.

Tokyo ending the morning session 0.4 percent higher, while Sydney added 0.5 percent, Singapore climbed 0.7 percent and Seoul put on 0.5 percent.

Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta were also comfortably higher. (AFP)

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