(Yicai Global) April 1 -- China's mainland stock markets closed higher on April's first trading day, continuing an upward trend that started on Friday. The trading volume dramatically increased, showing confidence among investors after strong economic data for March was released.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed 2.58 percent higher at 3,170.36 points with CNY480 billion (USD71.6 billion) swapped, CNY93.3 billion more than on Friday. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 3.64 percent higher at 10,267.7 with a turnover of CNY563.8 billion. The ChiNext Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, closed 3.98 percent higher at 1,760.89 with CNY151.2 billion changing hands.

Most sectors closed at least 2 percent higher, especially small-caps including accommodation, software and agriculture, which rose more than 5 percent. Liquor and beverages, banks and securities brokers rose slower but still went up more than 1 percent.

The Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index released today gained 0.9 point to 50.8 for March, ending three months of readings below the 50-point growth threshold and hitting an eight-month high.

The data kept pace with the official Manufacturing PMI released yesterday, which increased 1.3 point monthly to 50.5, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Both readings indicate a possible recovery in the Chinese economy for the month.

Editor: William Clegg