Hong Kong stocks soared on Friday on growing optimism the Federal Reserve will not hike interest rates at its next meeting this month, while traders also welcomed the passage of a bill to avert a US default.

The Hang Seng Index surged 4 percent, or 733 points, to 18,949.

The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.8 percent, or 25 points, to 3,230, while the Shenzhen Composite Index jumped 1.2 percent, or 23 points, to 2,035. (AFP)