Hong Kong stocks finished sharply higher on Wednesday on optimism for more Chinese economic stimulus and ahead of US inflation data later in the day.

The Hang Seng Index climbed 1.1 percent, or 201 points, to 18,860.

The Shanghai Composite Index dipped 0.8 percent, or 25 points, to 3,196, while the Shenzhen Composite Index shed 1.1 percent, or 22 points, to 2,030. (AFP)