The rebounding of China's stock markets has rekindled enthusiasm among domestic investors, state media reported. Shanghai's main stock index jumped to record highs Thursday for the seventh consecutive session as bank shares soared. The Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.77% up at 3,197.53 – the index is up 19.5% so far this year. In a People's Bank of China poll of 20,000 residents in 50 cities, 60% of respondents said bank deposits are their most important assets, the lowest level since 2004. Funds accounted for 16.7% of residents' holdings, up from 10% in the first quarter of 2006. About a third said it is worth buying stocks or funds given the current interest rates. The gains in Shanghai Thursday also pushed up the Hong Kong stock exchange, which climbed past 19,800 with high turnover, the Standard reported.
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