The benchmark Hang Seng Index rose 73.1 points, or 0.33 percent, to open at 22,192.51 on Friday.

The rise came as other Asian stock markets and US futures rose on Friday as signs of possible trade talks between the United States and China lifted risk sentiment after lacklustre earnings from tech bellwethers Apple and Amazon fuelled worries about the impact of tariffs.

The Commerce Ministry said early on Friday the United States has repeatedly expressed its willingness to negotiate on tariffs and that Beijing's door is open for talks.

The comments helped US stock futures reverse course from earlier falls after Apple trimmed its share buyback programme and warned tariffs could add about US$900 million in costs this quarter.

Futures for S&P 500 rose 0.6 percent while those for Nasdaq were 0.3 percent higher. Japan's Nikkei gained 1 percent on a weaker yen.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.4 percent.

"They've struck a cautious tone, demanding that the US 'show sincerity' if they want trade talks," said Matt Simpson, senior market analyst at City Index.

"So while olive branch has been offered, you can hardly say China has 'come crawling' like US President Donald Trump had hoped."

Still, investor sentiment turned up on the comments as markets continue to grapple with Trump's erratic tariff policies that have sparked fears of a sharp global economic downturn.

Data this week showed the US economy shrank for the first time in three years in the first quarter, while China's factory activity contracted at the fastest pace in 16 months in April.

Joseph Capurso, head of international and sustainable economics at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said the main impact on the economy from tariffs will be felt when consumer prices rise.

"A recession will become likely if the price increases encourage consumers to cut spending and businesses to shrink workforces and cut capital spending. While a recession is not our baseline, it will be a close call this year." (Reuters/Xinhua)
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Last updated: 2025-05-02 HKT 10:49