Mainland cash swells HK index

Investors from the Chinese mainland, pouring money into the Hong Kong stock market for the second consecutive day, helped lift the benchmark index to new highs on record-breaking turnover.

The torrent of cash pouring into the market through various channels is known to have prompted mainland authorities to consider raising the daily quotas for two-way trade under the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect program sooner than expected.

After appearing to have been neglected for months by investors on both sides, the program - introduced in November - has suddenly sprung to life.