Hong Kong shares close 0.32pc higher

HONG KONG: Hong Kong shares rose 0.32 percent Thursday on the back of strong jobs data from the United States that boosted hopes for the global recovery.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 76.09 points to 23,527.52 on turnover of HK$92.76 billion ($11.90 billion).

Chinese shares closed down 0.94 percent as investors locked in profits on heavyweight stocks after recent gains and amid speculation of another interest rate hike over the weekend, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 27.66 points at 2,928.11 on turnover of 134.4 billion yuan ($20.4 billion). APP/AFP/sub 13:22/13:34/13:34 20110331