** Shares of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd rise 3.4% to HK$238.60, their highest since March 22; on course for third consecutive session of gains
** Stock is the fourth biggest pct gainer in Hang Seng Finance Index
** Hong Kong's bourse operator reported a narrower-than-expected 13% drop in Q1 net profit at HK$2.97 bln ($379 mln), above analysts' forecasts of HK$2.82 bln, as sluggish trading and muted listing activities weighed on its businesses
** Hang Seng Composite Index tracking financials stocks
climbs 1.4%, Hang Seng Finance Index rises 1.5% and Hang Seng Index adds 2%
** Stock down 11.3% YTD
(Reporting by Donny Kwok)
((donny.kwok@thomsonreuters.com))
Comments