Hong Kong stocks soared 407. 53 points, or 2.40 percent, to close at 17,369.63 on January 3, the first trading day of year 2000, beating the previous all-time high record of 16,962.10 set on the last trading day of 1999.

The turnover was 18.033 billion HK dollars (2.3 billion US dollars), 5.637 billion HK dollars (723 million US dollars) more than last Thursday's 12.396 billion HK dollars (1.589 billion US dollars).

Of the four sub-indices, Finances and Utilities lost 0.97 percent and 0.74 percent respectively while Properties and Commerce & Industry picked up by 2.33 percent and 4.94 percent respectively.

China-related stocks ended higher with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index up 1.39 percent and Hang Seng China-Affiliated Corporations Index up 1.51 percent.

Hong Kong stocks rose 95.60 points, or 0.56 percent, to open at 17,057.70 Monday and soared 268.05 points, or 1.58 percent, to close the morning session at 17,230.15.