HONG KONG (Nikkei Markets) -- Hong Kong shares jumped on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the date for signing the phase one of a Sino-American trade deal and China's central bank announced a cut in banks' reserve requirements to boost Asia's largest economy.
The Hang Seng Index added 1% to 28,482.29 by noon to start the new year on a positive note. The market was closed on Wednesday for New Year's Day. Pan-Asia insurer AIA Group climbed 2.6%, contributing most to the index's gains by points. Social media and gaming major Tencent Holdings rose 2%.
