World stocks keep rising on greater optimism

TOKYO (AP) — Shares rose today as a rebound in oil prices helped energy companies and corporate deal-making bolstered confidence. A buying spree by mainland Chinese investors pushed Hong Kong's benchmark sharply higher.

Britain's FTSE rose 0.9 percent to 6,996.88, while France's CAC 40 climbed 1.1 percent to 5,193.04. Germany's DAX added 0.6 percent to 12,103.92. Wall Street looked set for small gains on the open, with the S&P futures up 0.1 percent and Dow futures roughly flat.

Hong Kong's benchmark closed at its highest level in eight years after mainland Chinese investors bought heavily. The Hang Seng jumped 6.3 percent before losing a large share of those gains to profit-taking. Chinese are shifting investments into Hong Kong, which is seen as a bargain following rallies in mainland Chinese markets that have made shares in Shanghai and Shenzhen relatively expensive.

"Money came flooding into Hong Kong's stock market Wednesday, and the market took flight, trading at its highest since 2008 and setting record trading volumes," Stephen Innes, senior trader for OANDA Asia Pacific, said in a commentary.