Hong Kong shares end up

HONG KONG, May 24 (Reuters): Hong Kong shares finished slightly up on Friday, helped by stocks of Chinese property developers which were buoyed by further signs of relaxation from the housing authorities.

The Hang Seng Index closed up 0.1 per cent at 22,965.86 points. The China Enterprises Index of the leading offshore Chinese listings in Hong Kong also added 0.1 per cent. Both extended gains from last week and were up 1.1 per cent and 1.7 per cent this week, respectively.

Bourse volume remained weak despite an outperforming property sector after a report on Thursday by the Shanghai Securities News cited a central government official as saying more cities will ease their housing purchase restrictions.