China shares surge

At the close, the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.63% at 2,878.14, reversing early losses.

Stocks are rebounding since late March from the coronavirus-fuelled sell-off, helped by massive monetary and fiscal stimulus. Investors are now watching efforts by a number of countries trying to recharge their economies by easing restrictions put in place to fight the outbreak.

The blue-chip CSI300 index was up 0.61%, with its financial sector sub-index lower by 0.83%, the consumer staples sector up 1.28%, the real estate index down 1.68% and the healthcare sub-index up 2.17%.

The smaller Shenzhen index ended up 1.53% and the start-up board ChiNext Composite index was higher by 1.973%.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing during the holiday period had marginal effect on A-share sentiment, as investors assume no immediate measures will be taken amid the epidemic and economic growth pressures in the United States, said Zhang Gang, an analyst with China Central Securities.

Domestic investors are also waiting for more stimulus measures to materialise ahead of the annual parliament meeting, which is scheduled for the end of the month, Zhang added.

Copyright Reuters, 2020

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