** 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%
(Reporting by Donny Kwok)
((donny.kwok@thomsonreuters.com))
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