HSI ends up 214 pts at 23,916 midday; turnover at HK$39.8bn

    HK stocks closed sharply higher on Friday morning session after the Dow soared 221 points overnight on strong 3Q GDP growth of 3.5%. The rally of mainland market also boosted the sentiment.
  The Hang Seng Index ended up 214 points to 23,916, off an intra-day high of 23,952. The H-share index also rose 118 points to 10,747. Half-day turnover rose to HK$39.8bn from HK$35.1bn on Thursday.
  Chinese financial stocks were firmer. BOC (03988) put on 1% to HK$3.71 despite its 3Q earnings fell short of market expectations. ABC (01288) also gained 1% to HK$3.6. Chinese insurers were strong. Both China Life (02628) and Ping An (02318) rebounded 2% to HK$23.1 and HK$63.05.
  Magang (00323) extended its 3-day rally, jumping 5% to HK$1.98. Its A-share even hit the limit up. Chongqing Iron (01053) Angang Steel (00347) were also up 2% and 3% respectively.
  ENN Energy (02688) shot up 8% to HK$49.85 after its major holder increased its stake in the company.
  But China Oilfiled's recent (02883) weakness remained. It plunged 5% to HK$15.84 on poor 9-month earnings.
  Standard Chartered (02888) plunged 4% to HK$118.7 on report that the US prosecutors may reopen investigations to determine whether the bank failed to disclose the full extent of transactions with US sanctioned countries.