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HK shares finish

modestly higher

HONG KONG: Shares closed modestly higher in lacklustre trade, brokers said.

The blue chip Hang Seng Index put on 44.32 points or 0.48 percent to end at 9,197.21.

Brokers said most investors stayed out of the market, awaiting the release of US second-quarter gross domestic product data later today and the outcome of Thursday's government land auction here.

Preliminary turnover stood at HK$2.63 billion, versus Tuesday's adjusted HK$2.50 billion.

The Dow's overnight gain gave Hong Kong stocks a shot of momentum in the morning, driving to blue chip index to a day high of 9,211.65. But it surrendered most of that advance before a late bout of speculative buying emerged.

August index futures, which expire today, traded at a discount at 9,178 on a volume of 2,501 lots.

Activity rolled over to September index futures, which traded at 9,238 with 9,022 contracts changing hands.

The broad All Ordinaries Index rose 9.59 points to 4,465.15.

Mainland China companies listed here also made gains, with their index posting a rise of 9.12 points or 0.99 percent to 927.49.-Reuter