Hong Kong stocks finished sharply higher on Wednesday as tech giants rallied, following a less-than-expected rise in US retail sales that boosted hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates.

The Hang Seng Index jumped 2.9 percent, or 514 points, to 18,430.

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.4 percent, or 12 points, to 3,018, while the Shenzhen Composite Index shed 0.9 percent, or 14 points, to 1,687. (AFP)