HSI ends up 97 pts at 24,595; midday; T/O at HK$37.4bn

    HK stocks closed firmer on Friday morning session in quiet trade despite US GDP data lend support for Fed's liftoff. The benchmark opened 152 points higher and pared its gains after Shanghai market dropped.
  By midday, the Hang Seng Index ended up 97 points or 0.4% to 24,595. The H-share index rose 54 points or 0.5% to 11,191. Half-day turnover reduced slightly to HK$37.4 billion from HK$43.6 billion on Thursday.
  The northbound quota balance of the "Shanghai-HK Connect" program was RMB12.097 billion, accounting for 93.1% the daily allowed quota of RMB13 billion. By 11:31 a.m, the southbound quota balance was RMB10.44 billion, or 99.4% of the daily allowed quota of RMB10.5 billion.
  Macau government will announce gaming industry's operating data tomorrow. Casino operators saw buying orders. Galaxy Ent (00027) jumped 4.7% to HK$35.4. Sands China (01928) shot up 4.3% to HK$34.3. Both were the top blue-chip winners. MGM China (02282) edged down 0.7% to HK$16.96.
  China Taiping's (00966) positive profit alert failed to lift its share price. It ended down 3% to HK$23.15. Ping An (02318) dipped 1% to HK$44.25. China Life (02628) declined 0.7% to HK$28.7. CPIC (02601) was steady at HK$32.55.
  Logistic counters saw speculation activities. ASR Logistics (01803) soared 18% to HK$1. On Time Log (06123) surged 22% to HK$1.4. Both companies have earlier issued profit warnings this month. Kerry Log Net (00636) also added 1.5% to HK$11.98.