China's equities rose 1.69 percent on Friday's close, led by energy-related stocks.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.69 percent, or 49.19 points, to finish at 2,960.77. The Shenzhen Component Index added 2.09 percent, or 243.66 points, to end at 11,892.02.

Combined turnover expanded to 217.6 billion yuan (US$31.86 billion) from 191.33 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Gainers outnumbered losers by 838 to 31 in Shanghai and 714 to 32 in Shenzhen.

The benchmark index opened slightly lower in the morning, dragged down by heavyweight sectors ,including non-ferrous and real estate stocks, to fall below 2,900. It was driven up by coal, chemical, and agriculture shares in the afternoon trading secession.

Coal producers posted strong gains after the country's goverment said it would invest more fund in infrastructure construction to boost economic growth in its western regions Thursday. Kailuan Energy Chemical Co., rose by daily limit to 20.86 yuan. Datong Coal Industry Co., the Shanxi-based coal giant, surged 6 percent to close at 41.83 yuan.

Banking sectors advanced 1.5 percent after first-half profit released on Wednesday and Thursday in the country's major commercial banks beated estimation.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Co., the world's biggest lender by market value, advanced 2.3 percent after it reported its profit after tax grew 2.8 percent year on year to 66.7 billion yuan Thursday. Shenzhen Development Bank Co., added 2.37 percent to finish at 22.07 yuan after posting a 7.8 percent first-half profit rise.

The Shanghai Composite Index rebounded 4.52 percent Thursday, setting the biggest rise in almost five months after dropping to a two-month low to 2,785.58 Wednesday

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2009)