Hong Kong stocks hit a nearly one-month high by midday on Friday, boosted by a potential de-escalation in the Sino-US trade war.
China's Commerce Ministry said Washington has approached Beijing to seek talks over US President Donald Trump's 145 percent tariffs and the nation's door is open for discussions.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended the morning at 22,493 points, up 374 points, after once hitting as high as 22,508 points.
The half-day main board turnover amounted to HK$78.31 billion as mainland stock markets remained closed for the Labor Day holiday.
The Hang Seng Tech Index rose 3.28 percent or 166 points, posting 5,254 points by noon.
Alibaba (9988) recorded the highest turnover of HK$5.19 billion for the tech gauge and its shares rose 4.2 percent to HK$122.40 apiece.
Macau casino shares also rose as April gaming revenue beat expectations. Sands China (1928) edged up 1.4 percent, Galaxy Entertainment (0027) rose 2.1 percent, while MGM China (2282) gained 2.6 percent.
HSBC (0005) shares fell 0.8 percent to HK$86.40 after its chairman Mark Tucker announced plans to retire by the end of the year.
Hainan Meilan International Airport (0357) once surged 11.5 percent to HK$10.70 in early trade before easing to HK$10.16 – still up 5.8 percent. The rally came after its mainland bidder Hainan Airport Infrastructure will acquire a 50.19 percent stake in Meilan Airport from Haikou Meilan International Airport for a total of RMB 2.34 billion (HK$2.5 billion).
STAFF REPORTER AND REUTERS
