China stocks rise as inflation rebounds; tech shares lead HK higher

** The CSI New Energy Index jumped 5.7%, while an index tracking China's green vehicles soared 6.8%. ** China's lithium industry would benefit from a stabilisation of prices of the battery metal, which is set for a long-term uptrend, said the chairman of Ganfeng Lithium, a major Chinese supplier.

China stocks gained on Monday after an upswing in consumer prices raised hopes of an economic recovery, while tech stocks led the Hong Kong market higher.

** China's blue-chip CSI300 Index ended up 1.3% while the Shanghai Composite Index edged 0.7% higher. ** In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 1.4%, with an index tracking tech stocks rising 2.9%.

** China's consumer prices rose for the first time in six months due to spending linked to the Lunar New Year, offering some reprieve for the world's second-biggest economy grappling with weak consumer sentiment. ** "Trade, tourism, and mobility data around Spring Festival, both during and after, hold promise," DBS said in a note, cautioning though that "China has a long road to recovery ahead."

** Nomura said that the CPI inflation appears to have turned "more positive than what implied by holiday effects". ** During China's parliamentary meeting, the government vowed to keep money supply and credit growth in step with the real GDP and inflation targets, signalling increased efforts to boost confidence.

** Property shares rose 3.3% after news that Chinese regulators asked large banks to enhance financing support to developer China Vanke and asked private debt holders to discuss maturity extension. Vanke shares gained 3%. ** The CSI New Energy Index jumped 5.7%, while an index tracking China's green vehicles soared 6.8%.

** China's lithium industry would benefit from a stabilisation of prices of the battery metal, which is set for a long-term uptrend, said the chairman of Ganfeng Lithium, a major Chinese supplier. ** But China's coal stocks fell 3.2%. China's coal imports are expected to be little changed or decline in 2024, officials from industries, state-run utilities and traders said on Friday.