Hong Kong stocks finished sharply higher for the third day in a row on Wednesday on growing optimism about the earnings outlook for big-ticket firms, while traders were also awaiting the release of key US inflation data at the end of the week.

The Hang Seng Index rallied 2.2 percent, or 372 points, to 17,201.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 0.8 percent, or 22 points, to 3,044, while the Shenzhen Composite Index climbed 1.2 percent, or 19 points, to 1,694. (AFP)