Strong export data perk up bourses

The mainland stocks rose, driving the benchmark index to a four-week high, after the nation's exports declined at the slowest pace in nine months, aiding government efforts to sustain the recovery in the economy.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 34.34, or 1.2 percent, to 2,970.53 at close, its highest close since Sept 17. The gauge has gained 63 percent this year.

The CSI 300 Index, measuring exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen, gained 0.9 percent to 3,227.40.