Chinese equities rose 1.89 percent on positive economic signs and the US market rally.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 1.89 percent, or 42.03 points, to 2,265.76. The Shenzhen Component Index rose 1.85 percent, or 156.51 points, to 8,622.47.

Gains outnumbered losses by 782 to 41 in Shanghai and 647 to 49 in Shenzhen.

Combined turnover was 201.7 billion yuan (US$24.89 billion), up from 194.3 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2009)