The Hong Kong stock market advanced for the second consecutive day, gaining over 50 points to just below the 17,780-point level. However, a weak global forecast is expected to push the market lower. On Thursday, the Hang Seng Index rose by 0.22 percent, closing at 17,778.41. Despite gains in oil and financial stocks, technology shares weighed down the market. Concerns about tougher trade rules in the U.S. led to a tech sell-off on Wall Street, with the Dow falling by 1.29 percent. In economic news, U.S. unemployment claims rose more than expected, while oil futures eased slightly on demand concerns from China.

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