(Yicai Global) March 18 -- The Hang Seng Index, which tracks the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, hit a nine-month high today as the three core mainland indexes all gained at least 1 percent.

The Hang Seng peaked at 29,328.54 at 11 a.m., up 1.1 percent from yesterday's close and marking its highest value since June 25.

The Shanghai Composite Index went into the 11.30 a.m. lunch break 1.26 percent higher at 3,059.95, while the Shenzhen Component Index had gained 1.66 percent to reach 9,708.98. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, was up 1.32 percent at 1,684.49.

Most sectors enjoyed the boost, with liquor and other drinks leading the way with a 4.67 percent rise. Kweichow Moutai [SHA:600519], China's best-known premium distillery, hit a historic high of CNY814.53 (USD121) a share before entering the break at CNY800, up 2.91 percent.

Editor: James Boynton