(Yicai Global) Dec. 28 -- Investors from mainland China using Stock Connect programs contributed to the Hang Seng Index's rise of more than 30 percent this year and the Hong Kong market showed strong upward momentum, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

The Hong Kong stock market had attracted a net capital inflow of CNY193.65 billion (USD29.6 billion) through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and HKD110.75 billion (USD14.17 billion) through the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect this year as of Dec. 25.

The HSI hit an all-time high of 30199.69 on Nov. 22. Despite recent corrections, it was still up 34.44 percent this year as of Dec. 26, making Hong Kong a frontrunner among global securities markets.

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect are products of agreements the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange reached with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. They aim to facilitate cross-border trading.