Around the World's Markets: Hong Kong

LEADING SHARES were boosted by the 1 per cent overnight rise on Wall Street and a second day of positive reaction to better-than-expected results from Bank of East Asia. The Hang Seng index closed up 65.33 at 13,140.42.

Analysts said the market was in line for short-term gains after losing ground for much of the month. "This week it's been playing catch-up." said one analyst. Traders said the imminent expiry of the July Hang Seng Index futures contract was also driving a thin cash market.