HK shares jump 2.1 pct in broad rally

HONG KONG, July 15 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares gained 2.1 percent on Wednesday, extending the previous session's best-in-a-month rally as strong earnings from two U.S. bellwethers rased hopes for a global economic recovery.

Air China (0753.HK) jumped 7.8 percent higher to HK$4.27 after the airline said it expected at least a 50 percent year-on-year rise in profit for the first half of 2009 as fuel costs fell and the domestic air passenger market showed stable growth.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index .HSI was up 372.93 points at 18,258.66 led by a 2.4 percent gain in HSBC (0005.HK).

The China Enterprises Index .HSCE, which represents top locally listed mainland Chinese stocks, rose 2 percent to 10,860.66. (Reporting by Parvathy Ullatil; Editing by Chris Lewis)