According to a report, Shandong Molong Petroleum Machinery Company Limited (00568) extended its gains by more than 18%, rising 18.38% as of press time to HK$4.155, with turnover of HK$456 million.

On the news front, international oil prices continued to climb on October 8. As of press time, Brent crude futures extended gains by more than 3%, breaking above the $103 mark.

Middle East geopolitical tensions continued to simmer, with Houthi forces claiming that Saudi Arabia launched 156 airstrikes and missile attacks on Yemen over the past 24 hours.

Separately, multiple U.S. officials said the Pentagon had instructed U.S. Central Command several days ago to complete relevant preparations in response to a possible resumption of large-scale military operations against Iran.

The report said U.S. and Israeli sources believe the relevant actions could occur before the U.S. midterm elections, or before the Israeli elections held a week earlier. If large-scale military operations resume, they are expected to potentially include massive bombing of Iran's energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets.