Hong Kong: Shares close up 0.44%

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong stocks ended 0.44 per cent higher on Thursday, tracking gains in Shanghai and despite a weak lead from Wall Street.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index added 107.13 points to 24,422.15 on turnover of HK$73.28 billion (US$9.46 billion).

But in mainland China the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.50 per cent, or 15.72 points, to 3,173.42 on turnover of 229.7 billion yuan (US$36.8 billion).

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, gained 0.75 per cent, or 11.48 points, to 1,544.80 on turnover of 201.6 billion yuan.

AFP