Asian shares surged and oil prices slipped on Wednesday after the US stock market rallied overnight, helped by strong corporate earnings reports and hopes for a deal setting the stage for talks that might eventually lead to an end to the war in Iran.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index finished up 0.24 percent to close at 25,915.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index rose 0.34 percent to end at 8,603 points while the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.97 percent.

The rally extended to the mainland, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 1.47 percent to 3,878 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed 1.86 percent higher at 14,144 points.

Other Asian benchmarks finished higher, with markets in Tokyo and Seoul rising by more than three percent on the back of a rally in chipmaker and AI-related shares. (Agencies)


Edited by Aaron Tam