Equities take a benefit from improving data

The mainland's stock market surged to its highest level since late June on Monday as investors interpreted positive July economic data as a sign that downside risks had receded.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.39 percent to 2,102.35 points, with turnover swelling to 116.5 billion yuan ($19 billion) from 83 billion yuan on Friday.

Leading the rally were coal miners, which represent the main source of energy, and non-ferrous metal companies. These sectors gained 7.86 percent and 4.34 percent, respectively.