Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

LEADING SHARES rebounded sharply after China Everbright eased investor fears about its leadership, which cast a gloom over Thursday's market. The Hang Seng finished up 69.02 points, or 0.53 per cent, at 13,186.86 after hitting an early low of 12,832.49. Everbright portrayed the abrupt change as a routine management shift.

The move came amid newspaper reports that the outgoing Zhu Xiaohua was under investigation by mainland authorities.