Hong Kong stocks rose to an almost two-week high as slower growth in US consumer prices bolstered the case for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, while investors wait for fourth-quarter economic data that may show a stronger recovery in China.

Hong Kong will launch a new yuan-denominated trade finance scheme and expand the hours and scope of its Bond Connect program for mainland China investors, Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said on Monday.

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday followed Wall Street’s mostly positive performance ahead of key U.S. inflation data that could influence the pace of market-boosting rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. U.S. futures and oil prices were little changed. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index edged 0.1% higher to 38,505.54.

Asian markets extended a global rally Thursday after below-forecast US inflation provided a much-needed shot of relief to investors and revived hopes for interest rate cuts this year. The inflation figures tempered worries that the Federal Reserve might not cut rates this year -- or possibly even hike them -- following a blockbuster jobs report on Friday.

The bank halted its government bond purchases Friday in an attempt to slow a one-way bonds trade that’s put unwanted downward pressure on the yuan, analysts say.

Asian markets are mostly lower after shares slumped on Wall Street despite better-than-expected reports on the U.S. jobs market and business activity

Asian stocks are mixed after Wall Street snapped out of a spell of holiday season blues, with markets in Tokyo and China declining.

The Hang Seng in Hong Kong added 0.2% to 19,264.46 after ... The fear is that all the strong data will convince the Federal Reserve to deliver less relief this year through lower interest rates.