Tensions in the Middle East continue, with increasing incidents of oil tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi militants in Yemen attacking Saudi Arabia; coupled with hurricanes hitting the Gulf of Mexico potentially affecting regional oil supply, oil prices surged sharply, with NYMEX crude futures rising over half a percent.
However, oil prices softened during the Asian session. The latest price for NYMEX crude is USD 90.67 per barrel, down 0.90%; Brent crude is currently at USD 103.13, down 1.10%.
Currently, the Hang Seng Index stands at 24,151, up 365 points or 1.5%, with nearly HK$194.9 billion traded on the main board. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index is at 8,125, up 114 points or 1.4%. The Hang Seng Tech Index is at 4,192, up 119 points or 2.9%. (vs)