Chinese shares up 0.36pc in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares were up 0.36 percent in morning trade Wednesday, extending gains after rising more than four percent Tuesday on positive economic data, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was up 8.17 points to 2,306.55.

The benchmark index surged 4.18 percent on Tuesday, after the government said China's economy grew 8.9 percent in the fourth quarter last year, slower than in the third quarter, but still exceeding analyst expectations.

Hopes of government measures to boost the stock market, such as encouraging local pension funds and foreign institutions to invest, also helped sentiment, dealers said.