SHANGHAI: China’s main stock indexes extended gains on Friday morning, as the central bank’s move to inject funds amid liquidity worries offered some solace. The CSI300 index rose 0.5 percent, to 3,373.49 points at the end of the morning session, and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.4 percent, to 3,073.48 points. Both indexes remained on track for a fifth straight week of losses amid persisting regulatory worries.
China’s central bank injected fresh funds through a medium-term lending facility on Friday while keeping a tight rein on short-term funding. This appeared to be a further effort to dampen speculative investment while the economy remains adequately funded. The central bank also issued a notice to banks to inquire about interest rates on inter-bank borrowings, loans and bill markets, the official Shanghai Securities News reported on Thursday. Tight liquidity conditions have been a major concern for investors amid a crackdown on banks’ risky financial activities with a focus on shadow banking. In the morning, financial plays led gains, in particular bank stocks, whose index rallied 2 percent, positioning it for the best day since mid-August. Authorities tended to maintain stability in the financial markets ahead of major events, such as a Silk Road summit this weekend. However, there were no specific signs that the heavy hand of regulation would loosen.
