Chinese equities rose 0.24 percent on steel and iron stocks rises.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 0.24 percent, or 5.40 points, to 2,223.73. The Shenzhen Component Index rose 0.91 percent, or 76.10 points, to 8,465.96.

Gains outnumbered losses by 561 to 231 in Shanghai and 476 to 196 in Shenzhen.

Combined turnover was 194.3 billion yuan (US$24.89 billion), up from 170 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2009)