ENERGY TECHNIQUE - 2004

HONG KONG (AFX-ASIA) - The Hang Seng Index rallied to above the 12,700
points level as strengthening global markets and some positive corporate news
announcements led investors to snap up banking and technology stocks.
The Hang Seng Index opened at 12,664.99 and reached a high of 12,815.08 in
the morning, but ended slightly lower at 12,748.41 at lunch break. The index is
up 172.47 points, or 1.37 pct, on its December 31 close. Turnover on the main
board was 12.10 bln hkd.

The Hang Seng Index's 33 blue chips were all up, with the exception of
Cathay Pacific, which fell 0.05 hkd, or 0.34 pct, to 14.70 on lingering fears
over the possible return of SARS, dealers said.