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Hong Kong Stocks Close Higher Ahead of US Jobs Data; NASN Tech Shines on Debut

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Hong Kong stocks closed higher Friday as investors looked past renewed geopolitical tensions while awaiting key U.S. jobs data for clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path.

The Hang Seng Index rose 137.75 points, or 0.5%, to close at 25,668.03, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained 32.85 points, or 0.4%, to finish at 8,531.58.

Technology stocks advanced as investors continued to assess the outlook for artificial intelligence spending, shrugging off recent volatility after another week of mixed earnings from major U.S. chipmakers and tech companies.

Investors also awaited the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report later in the day, with the data expected to shape expectations for the Federal Reserve's September policy meeting.

Futures markets are pricing the odds of a September rate hike at roughly even.

In corporate news, NASN Intelligent Tech (HKG:2261) closed over 64% higher at HK$17.10 in its Hong Kong trading debut, compared with the offer price of HK$10.42.

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