HSI ends up 394 pts at 27,918 midday; turnover at HK$75.6bn

    Hong Kong stocks closed sharply higher on Friday morning session, boosted by mainland equity market which hit fresh 7-year high. The benchmark index opened up nearly 200 points and broke the 20-day moving average of 27,782. 
  By midday, the Hang Seng Index ended soared 394 points or 1.4% to 27,918, off an intra-day high of 27,935 and day low of 27,696. The H-share index jumped 200 points or 1.4% to 14,332.
  Half-day turnover rose to HK$75.59 billion from HK$66.5 billion on Thursday.
  By 11:31 a.m., the northbound transaction of the "Shanghai-HK Connect" program was suspended today, while the southbound quota balance was RMB10.5 billion, accounting for 97% of the allowed quota of RMB10.5 billion.
  BOCHK (02388) soared 7.5% to HK$32.95, while BOC (03988) added 1.7% to HK$5.25. Both banks issued joint statement noting that the sale of Nanyang Commercial Bank stake could proceed on getting the regulatory approval. Meanwhile, BOC may transfer ASEAN assets to BOCHK.
  Belle (01880) surged 11% to HK$11.02. It was the biggest blue-chip winner.
  Chinese media citing insiders reported that reform proposal on pension insurance investment has been drawn up. It will be announced in 1H, or more likely in the third quarter. Ping An (02318), NCI (01336) and CPIC (02601) put on 3%, 2.7% and 2.2% to HK$116.5, HK$51.35 and HK$42.2 respectively.
  Lenovo (00992) slid 5% to HK$12.82 and was the worst performing blue chip. The company announced its quarterly earnings yesterday.