The Shanghai Composite fell 0.1% to just below 4,110, while the Shenzhen Component edged up 0.1% to 12,320 on Friday, as mainland stocks lacked a clear direction amid an absence of major market-moving catalysts. Despite the muted moves, benchmark indexes remained close to multi-year highs following a strong start to the year, supported by optimism over China’s advances in artificial intelligence and expectations for additional policy support in 2026. Trading volumes on mainland exchanges also surged to record levels this year, reflecting growing participation from both domestic and foreign investors. Among individual stocks, notable decliners included China Spacesat (-5.4%), Eoptolink Technology (-1.7%) and BlueFocus Intelligent (-9.3%), while strong performers included TBEA Co (3.1%), JCET Group (10%) and Shenzhen Sunway (3.6%).
