25.03.202602:07:41UTC+00China Stocks Extend Rally

The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.9% to above 3,900, while the Shenzhen Component advanced 1.9% to around 13,800, extending the previous session’s gains as investor sentiment improved on hopes for progress toward a resolution of the Middle East conflict.

Media reports indicated that the US was pursuing talks with Iran, including a proposed one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations and a 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict. Nonetheless, uncertainty persisted after President Trump ordered the deployment of about 2,000 additional troops to the region.

In China, risk appetite was further buoyed by reports that authorities had signaled plans to scale back previously proposed fuel price increases. At the same time, PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to maintaining supportive policies to underpin stable economic growth and safeguard financial market stability.

Technology shares led the advance, with notable gains in Zhongji Innolight (up 4%), SMIC (up 1.1%), Eoptolink Technology (up 2.1%) and NAURA Technology (up 4.2%). In contrast, financial and energy stocks underperformed as falling oil prices weighed on the sector.