Chinese equities rose 0.68 percent on Friday, led by nonferrous and petroleum shares.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 0.68 percent, or 15.33 points, to 2,281.09. The Shenzhen Component Index rose 0.29 percent, or 25.04 points, to 8,647.51.

Gains outnumbered losses by 286 to 527 in Shanghai and 211 to 474 in Shenzhen.

Combined turnover was 205 billion yuan (US$30 billion), up from 201.7 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2009)