Hong Kong stocks higher on China GDP data

• The Hang Seng Index closed up 1.6 percent, or 373.55 points, at 24,380.00.
• The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent, or 18.56 points, to 2,838.49, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange finished up 0.3 percent.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks finished higher on Friday after official data in China showed the coronavirus pandemic had not hit economic growth as badly as some had feared.

The Hang Seng Index closed up 1.6 percent, or 373.55 points, at 24,380.00.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent, or 18.56 points, to 2,838.49, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange finished up 0.3 percent, or 5.89 points, to 1,750.28.