Hong Kong stocks up 0.56% by break

Hong Kong shares ended the morning session 0.56 percent higher Thursday following a positive lead from Wall Street, while another weak Chinese manufacturing report increased hopes of more stimulus from Beijing.

Hong Kong`s benchmark Hang Seng Index added 157.78 points to 28,091.63 by lunch on turnover of HK$107.95 billion ($13.93 billion).

In mainland China the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.21 percent, or 9.23 points, to 4,407.72.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, added 0.84 percent, or 18.84 points, to 2,253.30.