HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks ended higher in a holiday-shortened session on Friday as investors cheered optimistic US economic data and indications that Omicron infections are less likely to result in hospitalisation.

The Hang Seng Index closed up 0.13 percent, or 30.12 points, at 23,223.76.

The Shanghai Composite Index retreated 0.70 percent, or 25.29 points, to 3,618.05, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange slid 1.30 percent, or 32.78 points, to 2,491.96.

AFP