Chinese stocks rallied for fifth day in a line on Thursday on expectations that the POBC will ease its prudent monetary policy in view of deteriorating economic state. On Thursday, markets faced a flow of negative headlines from China. China's factory production unexpectedly slowed in July while home and car sales dropped more than expected last month. Adding to easing hopes, China's CPI attained 30-month low in July. Hang Seng Index jumped by 1.02% to trade at 20,269.47. Eight out of nine sectors included in the index rose. Consumer services and technology shares increased the most. Sands China and Tencent Holdings surged 1.8% and 1.7%. Meanwhile, financials stocks moved higher, with Bank of East Asia and Hang Seng Bank rising by 2.49% and 2.1%. The only loser was basic materials sector, dropping by 0.7% after dismal factory production data.