Hong Kong stocks start 2017 firmer

Hong Kong stocks advanced on the year's first trading day on Tuesday, with optimism stemming from China's solid manufacturing surveys offseting the negative impact of a strong US dollar. The Hang Seng index rose for a fourth straight trading session, up 0.7 percent to 22,150.40 points. The China Enterprises Index gained 0.7 percent, to 9,459.55 points.
Investor confidence was lifted after a private business survey showing China's factory activity picked up more than expected in December as demand accelerated. But gains in the city were capped by concern over a rising US currency, which makes emerging markets less attractive. Most sectors in Hong Kong rose, with property stocks leading the gains, up 2 percent at the close.