The composite stock indexes on the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses on Monday both opened one percent higher than last close, driven up by the high public expectation on a press conference by the country's top security regulator scheduled for this afternoon.

The Composite Stock Index on the Shanghai Stock Exchange opened at 1,113.28 points on Monday morning, up nearly 13 points from last close.

China's stock market is experiencing a downturn as the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is carrying out an experimental reform plan of selling non-tradable state-owned shares, which has aroused uncertainties among the investors.

Shang Fulin, chairman of the CSRC, will hold a press conference this afternoon at the State Council Information Office to introduce the reform and the latest development on China's capital market.

Industry insiders believe that the public tend to have high expectations for the press conference at this sensitive moment, thus driving the index up.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2005)