HSI ends up 138 pts at 24,636; turnover at HK$77.7bn

    HK stocks closed firmer on Friday in quiet trade following flat close of the US equity market overnight on mixed corporate earnings. But US GDP data lend support for Fed's liftoff.
  The benchmark opened 152 points higher but fell 30 points at one stage in afternoon session on weakened Shanghai market, which recovered its losses by late trade. 
  The Hang Seng Index ended up 138 points or 0.6% to 24,636. The H-share index fell 5 points or 0.05% to 11,131. Turnover reduced slightly to HK$77.7 billion from HK$80 billion on Thursday. 
  The northbound quota balance of the "Shanghai-HK Connect" program was RMB12.473 billion, accounting for 95.9% the daily allowed quota of RMB13 billion. By market close, the southbound quota balance was RMB10.44 billion, or 99.4% of the daily allowed quota of RMB10.5 billion.
  Among the 50 blue chips, 32 stocks rose and 16 fell.
  Macau government will announce July's operating data of gaming industry early August. Casino operators saw buying orders on hopes that the figures will not be too bad. Galaxy Ent (00027) jumped 5.6% to HK$35.7. Sands China (01928) shot up 4.3% to HK$34.3. Both were the top blue-chip winners.
  Lenovo (00992) slipped 2.7% to HK$8.41. Li & Fung (00494) softened 2.6% to HK$6. Both were the worst blue-chip performers.
  HSBC (00005) will report its earnings next Monday (3 August). It ended up 0.1% to HK$69.7. China Mobile (00941) put on 1.6% to HK$101.5.