Hang Seng index futures opened the day session up 2.12% at 24,433, trading 501 points above the cash index.

Swiss National Bank chairman Schlegel said the bank currently does not see inflationary pressures in Switzerland spreading.

The Baltic Dry Index rose 104 points (3.93%) to 2,694 on Wednesday, recovering from a more-than-two-week low as stronger demand for Capesize and Panamax vessels lifted freight. The Capesize index jumped 276 points (7.22%) to 4,097; Capesize average daily earnings increased $2,511 to $33,659. The Panamax index rose 28 points (1.50%) to 1,894, ending a 15-session slide and marking about a one-week high; Panamax daily earnings rose $258 to $17,049. The Supramax index fell 11 points (0.6%) to 1,835, its lowest level since Oct. 13.