Hong Kong Stocks Up Sharply At The Break

Hong Kong shares ended Monday's morning session with strong gains following a healthy lead from Wall Street and with dealers also cheered by three days of protests in the city not descending into violence.

The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.9 percent to 26,216.

Asian markets also rallied following comments from US President Donald Trump's top economic adviser that hailed "positive" trade talks with top Chinese negotiators.

Optimism that central banks will provide fresh support to head off a global economic recession has also lent much-needed support to regional equities after last week's sell-off, with eyes on an upcoming speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell for clues about its plans.

Investors were in an upbeat mood after White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow said that if talks between deputies from Beijing and Washington went well and "we can have a substantive renewal of negotiations" then "we are planning to have China come to the USA and meet with our principals to continue the negotiations".

Shanghai rose 0.6 percent and Tokyo added 0.5 percent by the break.

Sydney climbed 0.8 percent, Singapore put on 0.3 percent and Seoul jumped 0.5 percent with Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta in positive territory. (AFP)