Hong Kong shares finished higher on Wednesday, lifted by financials after China's biggest listed banks reported higher first-quarter profits and as easing coronavirus lockdowns in some parts of the world boosted global sentiment.

At the close of trade, the Hang Seng index was up 67.63 points, or 0.28%, at 24,643.59. The Hang Seng China Enterprises index rose 0.57% to 10,040.87.

The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking the financial sector ended 0.61% higher after China's biggest listed banks reported profit growth in the first quarter despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The sub-index of the Hang Seng tracking energy shares rose 1.2%, as oil prices clawed back some of this week's losses. The IT sector rose 0.02%, and the property sector rose 0.92%.

The top gainer on the Hang Seng was Wharf Real Estate Investment Company Ltd, which gained 2.66%, while the biggest loser was WH Group Ltd, which fell 4.59%.

China's main Shanghai Composite index closed up 0.44% at 2,822.44 points, while the blue-chip CSI300 index ended up 0.46%.

Source : Reuters