Equities scale new peak amid rising optimism

Equities in the Chinese mainland rose for a fifth day on Wednesday as financial companies rallied on hopes that an interest rate cut will boost earnings, while industrial shares gained on prospects for increased investment.

Huatai Securities Co jumped 10 percent after the Nanjing-based company's board approved a plan to list H shares.

China Life Insurance Co, the biggest insurer, surged 9.8 percent, extending to 28 percent in a five-day rally amid prospects the rate cut will boost premium growth.