Chinese Stocks Set for Biggest Annual Gains in Years

The Shanghai Composite hovered near 3,969, marking its best annual performance since 2019, while the Shenzhen Component remained steady around 13,601, on course for its largest yearly increase since 2020. This development comes as more favorable-than-anticipated PMI data bolstered market sentiment. Official reports indicated that the composite PMI reached a six-month peak at 50.7 in December 2025. The manufacturing PMI shifted back into growth mode for the first time since March, climbing to 50.1 from November's 49.2, while the non-manufacturing PMI ascended to a five-month high, registering at 50.2 from 49.5. An independent survey corroborated this positive outlook, with the manufacturing PMI unexpectedly improving to 50.1 from a four-month low of 49.9 in the previous month. Key stock performers included the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which edged up by 0.4%, Contemporary Amperex Technology with a 0.3% gain, CNOOC rising 1.1%, NAURA Technology Group advancing by 1.5%, and Zijin Mining Group surging 5%.