Hong Kong stocks ended sharply higher on Monday as traders welcomed data showing Chinese inflation picked up last month, in a rare bright spot for the struggling economy.

The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.4 percent, or 234 points, to 16,587.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent, or 22 points, to 3,068, while the Shenzhen Composite Index added 2.1 percent, or 36 points, to 1,756. (AFP)