31.03.202602:36:00UTC+00China Stocks Rise, Still Set for Monthly Loss

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.5% to 3,941 and the Shenzhen Component added 0.4% to 13,769 on Tuesday, buoyed by upbeat PMI data that pointed to economic resilience despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Official figures showed the composite PMI returning to expansion territory at a three-month high of 50.5 in March 2026, with the manufacturing PMI advancing to a one-year high of 50.4 and the non-manufacturing PMI edging up to 50.1.

The data indicate a renewed pickup in activity across both manufacturing and services, underpinned by government stimulus, robust holiday consumption, and firm export demand. Although the economy remains vulnerable to external shocks, particularly from escalating conflict in the Middle East, Chinese equities have outperformed many global markets since the onset of the Iran-related crisis.

Among individual movers, PetroChina gained 3.1%, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China rose 2.3%, BYD advanced 1.2%, and Midea Group jumped 6.6%. Despite the day’s gains, both benchmark indices remain on course for a monthly decline.