-- Hong Kong equities gained on Wednesday as expectations of renewed U.S.-Iran dialogue eased geopolitical concerns.
The Hang Seng Index gained 75.00 points to end fractionally higher at 25,947.32, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index added 46.65 points, or 0.5%, to 8,718.26.
U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran could resume within days after weekend negotiations broke down in Islamabad, Reuters reported.
Officials in Pakistan and Iran also indicated that discussions could restart.
Despite the optimism, the U.S. said its military had effectively halted all maritime trade to and from Iran, maintaining pressure on Tehran.
Oil prices extended declines for a second straight session as prospects of renewed talks reduced concerns over supply disruptions.
Still, refiners continued to seek alternative crude supplies, driving up premiums for barrels from regions such as the U.S. Gulf Coast and the North Sea.
In corporate news, Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical (HKG:2575) closed over 10% higher after receiving approval in China to initiate a phase 3 trial for its Helicobacter pylori drug.