Hong Kong stocks close slightly higher

HONG KONG, Jan 18, 2024 (AFP) - Hong Kong stocks rose Thursday on bargain-buying but were still well down for the year so far as traders fret over China's struggling economy, while expectations for an early US interest rate cut fade.

The Hang Seng Index gained 0.75 percent, or 114.89 points, to 15,391.79.

The Shanghai Composite Index added 0.43 percent, or 12.17 points, at 2,845.78, and the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange gained 0.22 percent, or 3.76 points, to 1,702.45.