Hong Kong, Shanghai: Stocks rally at open

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks rallied soon after opening Thursday on lower expectations the US will increase interest rates again this year while energy firms were boosted by a surge in oil prices.

The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong climbed 1.52 per cent, or 287.76 points, to 19,279.35 in the first few minutes.

And the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.44 per cent, or 12.18 points, to 2,751.43, while the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, rose 0.30 per cent, or 5.20 points, to 1,742.40.

AFP