Shanghai stock benchmark heads for ninth session of gains on fresh policy pledges

Shanghai's stock benchmark rose, heading for its longest winning streak in over a year, driven by a stronger yuan and government pledges to boost domestic consumption. The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.3%, while the blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.1%. Analysts noted positive policy signals and a strong renminbi are boosting market sentiment. Artificial intelligence and info tech sectors led gains, while new energy sectors declined. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index increased by 0.3%, and the tech index rose 1.6%.