HONG KONG (Nikkei Markets) -- Hong Kong shares advanced on Friday, with gains in mainland companies and casino operators propelling the city's main gauge closer to the 30,000 mark.
The Hang Seng Index had risen 0.4% to 29,969.51 by the noon lunchbreak. Casino operators Galaxy Entertainment Group and Sands China added 1.4% and 1%, respectively, ahead of the release of Macau's monthly gaming revenue data early next week. Apple supplier Sunny Optical Technology Group extended gains, rising 0.8% early Friday after a 4.7% advance on Thursday. Mainland property developer Country Garden Holdings shed 2% to lead a gauge of homebuilders listed in the city 0.1% lower for its first loss in four days.
