Hong Kong: Stocks up 0.9% in early trade

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and China stocks rallied in early trade Friday, recovering some ground from steep losses sustained earlier in the week.

The Hang Seng index rose 244.64 points, or 0.90 per cent, to 27,534.61 shortly after the opening bell.

Chinese shares were also higher Friday, ahead of the release of trade data for April, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.34 per cent, or 55.13 points, to 4,167.34.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, gained 1.48 per cent, or 32.28 points, to 2,213.58.

AFP