Equities rebound, led by technology firms

SHANGHAI: The mainland benchmark stock index rose from its biggest slump in seven weeks as airlines advanced after returning to profit and technology companies climbed on a government pledge to open up the industry.

Air China Ltd, the nation's largest international carrier, jumped 7.2 percent to 10.62 yuan. Shanghai East-China Computer Co surged by the daily 10 percent limit to 17.52 yuan after the government said it will remove regulatory barriers preventing Internet, telecommunications and broadcasters from providing each other's services. Jiangxi Copper Co, China's biggest producer of the metal, gained 1.2 percent to 38.47 yuan on higher commodity prices.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 42.89, or 1.35 percent, to close at 3215.55. The gauge lost 3.1 percent on Wednesday after the central bank unexpectedly raised the proportion of deposits that banks must set aside as reserves.