17.04.202602:09:42UTC+00China Stocks Mixed, Eye Solid Weekly Gains

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.3% to below 4,100 on Friday, while the Shenzhen Component Index rose 0.3% to around 14,800, leaving mainland equities mixed as investors awaited progress on extending the US-Iran ceasefire. Both benchmarks nevertheless remained on course for a solid second consecutive weekly gain, supported by growing optimism over a potential deal to permanently end the conflict.

Despite that optimism, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed under a dual blockade, and there are lingering concerns that restoring a meaningful share of disrupted oil and gas production could take up to two years. In China, the policy stance stayed cautious despite robust first-quarter GDP growth, with supply chain disruptions and elevated oil prices posing downside risks to exports. Investors are now looking ahead to the PBOC’s interest rate decision scheduled for next week.

On the corporate front, Zhongji Innolight (+5.3%) and Foxconn Industrial Internet (+2.8%) outperformed, while Kweichow Moutai (-3.6%) and Contemporary Amperex (-2.2%) were among the notable laggards.