Hong Kong stocks extend gains, banks lead

HONG KONG, July 14 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks rose 3.41 percent on Tuesday afternoon, rebounding from a seven-week low with buying interest in blue-chips and banks and tracking a strong U.S. rally after a bullish outlook for bank earnings.

The Hang Seng Index .HSI rose more than 500 points to 17,800.24, led by HSBC (0005.HK) which climbed about 5 percent.

Chinese lender Construction Bank (0939.HK) gained 2.8 percent to HK$5.58. (US$1=HK$7.8) (Reporting by Donny Kwok; editing by Jonathan Hopfner)