AIA rises most in 17 months on new business value growth, share buyback

** Shares of insurer AIA Group 1299 rise 7.9% to HK$58.25, on track for the biggest one day pct rise since November 2022

** Stock hit the highest since March 19 and on course for sixth consecutive session of gains; top pct gainer in Hang Seng Index HSI, Hang Seng Finance Index (.HSNF) and Hang Seng Composite Index tracking financials stocks (.HSCIF)

** Hong Kong-based AIA on Monday posted a 31% rise in its first-quarter value of new business (VONB) on a constant exchange currency basis helped by strong performance across segments, and announced an additional $2 billion share buyback

** Hang Seng Composite Index tracking financials stocks (.HSCIF) rises 1.3%, Hang Seng Finance Index (.HSNF) surges 1.6% and Hang Seng Index HSI adds 0.5%

** Stock down 15.7% YTD