Lingering optimism about the future of the country's enterprises continued to drive demand for them higher; rising tensions elsewhere in the world also played a role.

China said Sunday that it would allow home owners to refinance mortgages, the latest in a torrent of policy moves aimed at supporting the struggling economy and stock market. The new

Chinese stocks soared on Monday, extending gains for the beleaguered asset class on hopes policymakers will pair their monetary support with fiscal policy action.