HK-listed China Tobacco rises most in 10 weeks on upbeat earnings forecast

** Shares of China Tobacco International HK Co Ltd rise 5% to HK$18.80, their biggest intraday percentage gain since March 31

** Stock hits the highest since May 26 and on course for second consecutive session of gains

** The cigarettes and tobacco leaf products importer and exporter expects its revenue for six months ending in June 2021 to increase at least 85% as compared to the same period in 2020 and net profit to jump at least 115%

** Says the expected rise in revenue and net profit is due to a significant increase in revenue of tobacco leaf products import business during the first half of 2021, and on reducing costs and improving efficiency amid costs control

** The Hong Kong Hang Seng Commerce & Industry Index climbs 0.6%, while the material index slips 0.3%

** Both the Hang Seng China enterprises index and the benchmark index gains 0.3%

** As of last close, the stock had risen 20.5% this year