Hong Kong stocks end 1.45% higher

Hong Kong shares jumped 1.45 percent Thursday, in line with a broad regional advance after a dovish Federal Reserve statement cooled expectations of an early summer US interest rate hike.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index jumped 348.81 points to 24,468.89 on turnover of HK$102.57 billion (USD 13.23 billion).

In mainland China, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.14 percent, or 4.97 points, to 3,582.27 on turnover of 612.2 billion yuan (USD 99.6 billion). The index has risen nine percent in a seven-session rally and is now at its highest level since May 19, 2008.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China`s second exchange, rose 0.52 percent, or 9.48 points, to 1,827.86 on turnover of 475.9 billion yuan.