Hong Kong benchmark rises sharply

Hong Kong stocks started the week on an upbeat note, with an index tracking mainland companies posting its biggest gain in nearly four months after top Chinese officials signalled confidence in China's economic health. The Hang Seng index registered its biggest one-day rise since February 15, rising 1.1 percent to 23,829.67. The China Enterprises Index gained 1.9 percent, to 10,258.71 points, its best day since November 22. Shares rose across the board, with material and financial stocks among the biggest gainers.