Hong Kong stocks closed on the front foot on Wednesday, in line with an advance across most of Asia following a rally on Wall Street, with sentiment boosted by hopes China will unveil fresh stimulus measures for the world's second-largest economy.

The Hang Seng Index put on 91 points or 0.46 percent to close at 19,922.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing finished more than 1.5 percent lower at HK$341.2 after posting a 27 percent drop in interim profit.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 0.45 percent, or 14.64 points, to 3,292.53, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange climbed 0.69 percent, or 15.41 points, to 2,242.45. (Additional reporting by AFP)