China Stocks Rise Over 1% to Kick Off April
2026-04-01 02:37
By
Czyrill Jean Coloma
1 min. read
The Shanghai Composite climbed 1.5% to close at 3,949 on Wednesday, while the Shenzhen Component gained 1.7% to 13,707, tracking gains across Asian peers as hopes grew for a near-term resolution to the Middle East conflict.
President Donald Trump said US forces would end operations in Iran within two to three weeks, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed willingness to end hostilities if safeguards are put in place.
Meanwhile, 43 Shanghai- and Shenzhen-listed firms pledged 25.6 billion yuan in share buybacks, the highest level in nearly a year, as the conflict pressured stock prices.
On the economic front, a private survey showed that manufacturing PMI fell to 50.8 in March from 52.1 in February, indicating a moderation in factory activity.
Technology stocks were among the best performers, particularly Zhongji Innolight (5.7%) and Eoptolink Technology (4%).
In contrast, energy stocks declined, with PetroChina falling 1% and CNOOC dropping 3.4%.