Stocks up 0.5% at 8-month closing high

The mainland stocks rose 0.54 percent in heavy trade to an eight-month closing high yesterday, with property and auto shares outperforming although some energy and resource shares fell after sharp recent gains.

The Shanghai Composite Index ended at 2527.181 points, its highest close since Aug 8 and rising for a fourth straight day. Turnover in Shanghai A shares was heavy at 161.6 billion yuan, although down from Monday's hectic 187.3 billion yuan.

"Money poured into sectors that had lagged the market rally but profit-taking pressure will increase as the index surges," said Zheshang Securities analyst Zhang Yanbing.