China stocks end up 1.5 pct

China’s main stock index rose 1.5 per cent,led by a bounce in the small-cap shares and metal producers,which offset weakness in the property sector.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index ended at 2,745.3 points,extending a 1.2 per cent rally on Wednesday.

The property sub-index fell 1.2 per cent after China announced fresh steps to cool the real estate market.

An index of small-cap companies rose 1.8 per cent,outperforming the broader market’s rise.