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Hong Kong stocks extended their recent strength, ending up 1.19 percent for a fourth consecutive day of gains, with banks and mainland property shares leading the rise.
Mainland lender ICBC (1398) climbed 1.2 percent to a session high of HK$6.82 on news that it was in talks to buy a stake in Taiwan's Cathay Financial, fueling hopes that more acquisitions will follow. ICBC ended at HK$6.75, up 0.15 percent.
Shares of China Construction Bank (0939) gained 0.84 percent and Bank of China (3988) climbed 2.03 percent.
Mainland property stocks rose in anticipation of stronger earnings, sending China Overseas Land (0688) up 1.8 percent. Shimao Property (0813) gained 6.2 percent and R&F Properties (2777) rose 5.3 percent.
The Hang Seng Index climbed 264.3 points to end at 22,553.87. The index has risen 6.7 percent so far this week.
The China Enterprises Index rose 0.88 percent to 13,459.06.
Turnover was HK$70.07 billion.
Tags: Hang Seng, Up, Closes, High