China stocks end higher as strong GDP outweighs AI jitters

SHANGHAI, - Chinese stocks closed higher on Monday, led by bank shares, as upbeat third-quarter GDP data outweighed weak sentiment around some AI supply chain companies.

** China's blue-chip CSI300 Index ended 0.1% up, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.4%.

The Hong Kong market was closed for a local holiday and will resume trading on Tuesday.


** China's economy expanded 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, topping forecasts and reducing the urgency for Beijing to step up support to meet its annual growth target. Retail sales for September also accelerated.

** "Despite the data surprise in September, the performance in the first nine months of 2026 still intensified domestic and global concerns about China's imbalance," ANZ analysts said in a note.

** "Fiscal support remains crucial as policy constraints limit monetary easing amid balance-sheet recession pressures," they said.

** Traditional sectors such as banks and liquor led onshore gains, up 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively.

** The tech-focused STAR50 Index was down 2.2%, as sentiment around the AI chip supply chain remained weak.

** Robot maker Unitree's shares surged 16%, rebounding from a record low hit last week, while memory chipmaker CXMT fell 7.8%.

** The CSI300 Index lost 3.4% last week, its worst week since mid-July.

** Investors are turning their attention to a key financial forum in Beijing on Monday, where China's securities regulator is due to speak.