China stocks rise with Shanghai-HK stock connect launch

Chinese shares opened higher on Monday as the Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connect pilot program debuted.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index (CSI) opened at 2,506.86 points, up 28.04 points, or 1.13 percent.

Since the program was officially approved in April, it took more than seven months for it to be launched. The SCI has also risen over 18 percent since April.

The Shenzhen Component Index on Monday opened at 8,358.13, up 31.23 points, or 0.38 percent.