Chinese equities opened higher Friday, buoyed by lower crude prices as traders assessed alternative channels for Middle Eastern oil shipments.
The Shanghai Composite Index, the main gauge of Chinese stocks, opened 0.4% higher at 3,891.96. The Shenzhen Component Index rose 1.1% to 13,563.74.
Softer oil prices helped alleviate inflation concerns and lifted risk sentiment across Chinese markets at the opening bell.
Optimism that crude from the Middle East could reach global markets via alternate routes drove Brent futures down 1% to $103.77 a barrel, though lingering worries persisted over strikes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis.