Hong Kong stocks kicked off Thursday's trading session with gains, with the benchmark Hang Seng Index surging 0.49% to 24,723.85 points, reflecting renewed investor optimism across key sectors.

The Hang Seng Tech Index edged up 0.41% to 4,328.41 points, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index advanced 0.34% to 8,202.78 points, signaling broad-based buying interest at the open.

Among blue-chip performers, Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd (ASX: 01347) led the gains with a 2.81% jump, followed closely by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) (ASX: 00981) and Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd (ASX: 02899), both climbing 2.48%. On the downside, Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp (ASX: 00322) slipped 1.94% to become the worst-performing blue chip.

In the tech-heavy index, MINIMAX-W (ASX: 00100) rallied 3.92%, while Zhipu AI (ASX: 02513) advanced 3.58%, underscoring robust demand for artificial intelligence-related names. Conversely, Bilibili Inc (ASX: 09626) dipped 1.40%, dragging sentiment in the streaming space.

Sector-wise, semiconductor and artificial intelligence stocks led the advance, with precious metals also gaining traction. However, automobile, shipping, and gas utilities traded lower, while internet and tech names showed mixed performances. Overnight, all three major U.S. indices closed higher, with strength in semiconductor, memory, and optical communications segments providing a supportive backdrop for Asian markets.