Hong Kong, Shanghai end with healthy gains

HONG KONG: Hong Kong and Shanghai shares rose on Wednesday, in line with an Asian bounce following a positive US lead while investors also welcomed the Chinese central bank's decision to lower the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.74 percent, or 221.50 points, to 30,284.25 after four straight losses.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.80 percent, or 24.60 points, to 3,091.40 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, added 1.08 percent, or 19.28 points, to 1,803.84.