Investors from the Chinese mainland, pouring money into the Hong Kong stock market for the second consecutive day, helped lift the benchmark index to new highs on record-breaking turnover.

The torrent of cash pouring into the market through various channels is known to have prompted mainland authorities to consider raising the daily quotas for two-way trade under the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect program sooner than expected.

After appearing to have been neglected for months by investors on both sides, the program - introduced in November - has suddenly sprung to life.