Aviation stocks led the gains in early trading. At the time of writing, China Eastern Airlines (00670) surged 8.62% to HK$5.67; China Southern Airlines (01055) climbed 4.86% to HK$5.83; Air China (00753) advanced 3.76% to HK$7.17; and Cathay Pacific Airways (00293) edged up 0.66% to HK$12.29.