Around the World's Markets: HONG KONG

STOCKS SOARED to a sharply higher close, lifted by expectations that Wall Street would continue its strong run and quiescent inflation would allow US and local rates to remain at current levels.

The Hang Seng closed up 286.60 points or 2.27 per cent at 12,894.78 but off its day high of 12,997.12.

But analysts warned the market's gains came on the back of light volume in the cash market and active trading in futures, conditions that were ideal for increased volatility.