Dense smog boosts shares in environment-related firms

Stock markets in the Chinese mainland saw mixed performance on Monday, with severe smog boosting environment-related companies.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index inched up 1.09 points or 0.05 percent to close at 2,238.20 points on Monday. The Shenzhen Component Index fell by 7.01 points or 0.08 percent to 8,519.67 points.

Combined turnover on the two bourses on Monday was 182.5 billion yuan ($30.05 billion), down from Friday's 188.9 billion yuan.

As more than 100 cities in China were affected by severe smog over the weekend, environmental protection firms, air purifier makers and smart home appliance firms saw gains on Monday.

Fujian Yuanli Active Carbon Co, which makes active carbon products, and air purifier manufacturer Cnlight Co soared by 10.48 yuan and 9.46 yuan, respectively, on Monday.

The Internet sector, which has performed poorly recently, recovered on Monday. People.cn Co jumped by 7.86 percent to 73.70 yuan on Monday while Leshi Internet Info & Tech Corp rose by 5.02 percent to 34.97 yuan.

Meanwhile, banks, coal companies, and real estate stocks performed weakly on Monday.

ChiNext, China's NASDAQ-style board for high-tech and fast-growing start-ups listed in Shenzhen, saw a rise of 34.92 points or 2.89 percent to 1,241.71 points at the close on Monday.

ChiNext-listed Huayi Brothers Media Corp surged by 10.01 percent Monday to 30.77 yuan.