Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

STOCKS closed with firm gains as technology-related stocks drew strength from an overnight record on the Nasdaq and investors searched for laggards following the market's rally to 18-month highs.

The Hang Seng finished up 237.77 points, or 1.81 per cent, at 13,364.79 after hitting a high of 13,409.99 points.

One analyst said: "As long as the Nasdaq is strong this will continue, but if there's a correction it will cool down."