Hong Kong stocks close with healthy gains
Hong Kong stocks finished on a strong note on Thursday as global markets advanced on optimism that US lawmakers will soon raise the country's borrowing limit and avert a painful debt default. The Hang Seng Index climbed 0.9 percent, or 166 points, to 19,727. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.4 percent, or 13 points, to 3,297, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 0.1 percent, or 2 points, to 2,028. (AFP)