China shares end at highest level since 2010

SHANGHAI, Dec 29 (Reuters): China shares closed at their highest levels since 2010 on Monday, on strength in insurance and property firms, with those connected to the Shanghai Free Trade Zone also leaping on plans for a major expansion of the zone.

The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen rose 0.3 per cent, to 3,455.46 points. The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.3 per cent, to 3,168.02 points, its highest since January 2010.

Among the most active stocks in Shanghai were China State Construction Engineering Co, up 8.5 per cent to 7.28 yuan; Bank Of China, up 0.8 per cent to 3.85 yuan and GD Power, up 2.4 per cent to 4.76 yuan.

Total volume of A shares traded in Shanghai was 50.9 billion shares, while Shenzhen volume was 20.1 billion shares.