Chinese shares close up 2.55 percent

Chinese stocks closed 2.55 percent higher on Thursday as gains in overseas markets and a further drop in oil prices boosted the market, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, closed 72.44 points higher at 2,910.29 on turnover of 78.0 billion yuan (11.5 billion dollars).

The Shanghai A-share index added 76.20 points, or 2.56 percent, to 3,053.09 on turnover of 77.8 billion yuan, while the Shenzhen A-share index was up 21.61 points, or 2.44 percent, to 909.11 on turnover of 36.0 billion yuan.

(Agencies)