(Yicai Global) April 2 -- Following significant gains for two straight days, China's mainland stock markets continued to climb during the morning session today. Positive movement in US markets overnight has instilled confidence in Chinese investors.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.41 percent to 3,183.31 points at the break with CNY270.4 billion (USD40.2 billion) swapped. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.43 percent higher at 10,312.25 with a turnover of CNY338.9 billion. The ChiNext Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, was up 0.49 percent at 1,769.48 with CNY96.7 billion changing hands.

There were more sectors exhibiting gains compared with those posting losses, led by software stocks which were 3.13 percent higher. The internet, mining equipment and chemical sectors also rose more than 2 percent. Liquor and beverage sector was the biggest loser, down 2.12 percent, followed by agriculture with 1.58 percent.

The three main indexes in the US all closed at least 1 percent higher last night, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.27 percent to 26,258.42, representing a five-month high.

Editor: William Clegg