Alibaba's Hong Kong shares hit 2-1/2-year peak after Apple partnership report

** Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Group 9988.HK jump 4.5% to HK$118.9, their highest since July 2022, on track for the second session of gain

** Stock is the most actively traded shares by turnover

** Alibaba's U.S. shares BABA.N surged 4.9% on Wednesday

** Apple AAPL.O is partnering with Alibaba to roll out artificial intelligence features for iPhone users in China, the Information reported, citing one person with direct knowledge of the decision

** HSBC maintains "Buy" rating on Alibaba, saying potential partnership with Apple could boost Alibaba's cloud income, AI technology and user engagement

** Jefferies says it is positive on Alibaba Cloud outlook and it lifts PT of Alibaba U.S. shares to $150 from $144 and the Hong Kong stock to HK$145 from HK$139, factoring 4x vs prior 3x price to sales multiple on cloud considering recent business developments

** Morningstar says the development allows Alibaba to lay down the marker by having Apple as a flagship partner and could potentially see more companies express their interest in partnering with Alibaba

** Hang Seng Tech Index .HSTECH rises 1%, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index .HSCE climbs 0.8%, and Hang Seng Index .HSI adds 0.9%