Hong Kong: Sharply higher

HONG Kong share prices closed sharply higher on Wednesday, up 2.69 per cent, as investors snapped up airline and refiner stocks after oil prices plunged, dealers said.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index jumped 607.07 points to 23,134.55. Turnover was HK$75.79 billion.

The city's top carrier Cathay Pacific was up 6.25 per cent and refiner PetroChina rose 3.7 per cent, as crude oil prices continued to drop. Property firm Sino Land, up 6.64 per cent, was also among the top gainers. - AFP