Hong Kong, Shanghai: Stocks end with healthy gains

[HONG KONG] Hong Kong and Shanghai shares rose on Wednesday, in line with an Asian bounce following a positive US lead while investors also welcomed the Chinese central bank's decision to lower the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.74 per cent, or 221.50 points, to 30,284.25 after four straight losses.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.80 per cent, or 24.60 points, to 3,091.40 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, added 1.08 per cent, or 19.28 points, to 1,803.84.

AFP