Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

STRONG futures-related buying and the Dow's record close pushed Hong Kong stocks over 2 per cent higher yesterday.

The Hang Seng closed up 251.74 points at 10,940.21, just off its day's highs. The expiry of March Hang Seng futures contributed to heavy trading volume on the exchange. "The strength of the April futures, following settlement of the March futures, indicates there's still a bit of buying interest around," said one analyst.