The Hang Seng Index rose 0.7%, or 171 points, to 25,868 on Friday, extending its advance from the previous session as investors responded to softer inflation in Hong Kong. The annual inflation rate eased to 1.7% in July from 2.0% in each of the previous two months. Electronic technology, producer manufacturing and financial shares led the market. Investors also assessed reports that fast-fashion retailer Shein had postponed its Hong Kong IPO (initial public offering) to September after delaying the collection of investor orders. J&T Global Express was among the strongest performers after reporting a 124% year-on-year increase in first-half adjusted net profit to US$350.6 million, supported by robust parcel growth and expanding international operations. Xiaomi rose 1.4%, MiniMax gained 4.5%, AIA advanced 1.8%, Z.AI Co. climbed 1.5% and Kuaishou added 0.7%. Gains were limited by elevated oil prices, with Brent crude above US$93 a barrel, maintaining investor concerns about the inflation outlook.