** Hong Kong shares of Russia's aluminium giant Rusal 0486.HK surges 5.3% to HK$5.40, on track for the biggest one-day pct gain since February 26

** Stock on course for the third straight session of gain

** Rusal RUAL.MM reported a near-three fold jump in its annual earnings, reflecting higher prices for both aluminium and alumina owing to a rise in demand for the products, which are critical in the race for decarbonisation

** The world's largest aluminium producer outside China posted net profit of $803 mln for 2024 vs $282 mln profit a year-ago

** Hong Kong's material index .HSCIM jumps 2.8%, Hang Seng Index .HSI rises 1.3%

** Rusal Hong Kong stock up 61.8% YTD

(Reporting by Donny Kwok)

((donny.kwok@thomsonreuters.com))