Most stocks increase boosted by drugmakers

Most stocks on the Chinese mainland rose, led by drugmakers and consumer-staples producers, on speculation their earnings will be most resilient to the economic slowdown.

Beijing Tongrentang Co led healthcare companies to the second-biggest gain among the CSI 300 Index's industry groups. ZTE Corp, China's second-biggest phone-equipment maker, plunged 4.2 percent after the maker of telephone equipment said it probably posted a loss for the third quarter.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.1 point to 2098.81 at the close. About seven stocks rose for every five that fell. The CSI 300 Index added 0.1 percent to 2298.16.

China Daily - Bloomberg