Hong Kong Shares Rise On Trade Talk Hopes

Hong Kong shares rose more than 2 percent Tuesday morning on hopes for China-US trade talks at the weekend, while investors were also optimistic of a US stimulus deal.

The Hang Seng Index rose 2.4 percent, to 24,962.

Shares of Macau casinos rallying on news that China would resume issuing tourist visas to Macau, reopening a crucial revenue stream for resorts that have been battered by a crash in tourist numbers.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.3 percent, to 3,390, while the Shenzhen Composite Index edged up 0.1 percent, to 2,280.

Investors in Asia also remained optimistic US lawmakers will eventually hammer out a new stimulus for the crippled economy despite talks struggling.

Tokyo rose 1.7 percent as investors returned from a long weekend to play catch-up with Monday's advances, while Sydney was up more than 1 percent, as was Seoul.

Singapore added 0.2 percent, brushing off data showing the city's economy contracted more than first thought in the second quarter. Wellington, Jakarta, Manila and Shanghai were also positive. (AFP)

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