Chinese shares open higher

SHANGHAI, June 25, 2008 (AFP) - Chinese share prices opened up 0.64 percent Wednesday as investors seized on the momentum started by a financial stocks rally in the previous session, dealers said.

Financial companies remained strong after sharp gains on Tuesday, while selling pressure on heavyweight oil majors eased after two consecutive days of losses, traders said.

But they warned rising oil prices and continued weakness on Wall Street may limit buying interest.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, edged up 18.01 points, or 0.64 percent, to 2,821.02.

The Shanghai A-share added 18.78 points, or 0.64 percent, to 2,959.37, while the Shenzhen A-share index gained 9.93 points or 1.18 percent to 848.76.