Review of the past 10 years: The Shanghai Composite Index averaged a 2.1% increase in March, with small and micro-cap stocks and dividend indices performing better.

Cailian Press, February 28 (Editor: Zilong) The A-share market is about to open in March. Based on historical data, over the past 10 years (2016-2025), the Shanghai Composite Index has increased in nearly 40% of the months, with an average gain of about 2.1%. Notably, in March 2016 and 2019, the Shanghai Composite Index performed well, with monthly increases of 11.8% and 5.1%, respectively. In contrast, during March 2020 and 2022, it declined by 6.1% and 4.5%, respectively.

Note: The monthly rise and fall of the Shanghai Composite Index over the past 10 years in March
Regarding other major market indices, small-cap and dividend indices performed relatively well in March over the past decade. The CSI 2000 and GuoZheng 2000 indices had average gains of 2.7% and 2.3%, respectively. The dividend index, CSI 1000, and ChiNext Index also saw average increases of over 1%. Meanwhile, the SSE 50 and CSI 300 indices experienced declines in March over the past ten years, but the declines were less than 1%. Based on the percentage of months with gains, the dividend index, small-cap indices, and Shenzhen Component Index had a ratio of 50% or higher.

Note: The monthly performance of major market indices over the past 10 years in March
At the sector level, out of 31 Shenwan first-level sectors, 23 recorded gains in March over the past decade, accounting for nearly 74%. Among them, agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery, beauty and personal care, pharmaceuticals and biotech, computing, utilities, and comprehensive sectors performed well, with gains of 3.8%, 3.3%, 3.0%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, respectively. Conversely, steel, petroleum and petrochemicals, non-bank financials, electronics, automobiles, banking, and basic chemicals sectors experienced relatively larger monthly declines.

Note: The performance of industry sector indices over the past 10 years in March
Breaking down further into sub-sectors (Shenwan third-level), sectors such as thermal power equipment, international engineering, natural scenic spots, other planting industries, livestock and poultry feed, heating services, cement products, cross-border e-commerce, comprehensive electric power services, and pharmaceutical distribution had the highest average gains over the past decade in March. In terms of the proportion of months with gains, sectors like natural scenic spots, cement products, cross-border e-commerce, pharmaceutical distribution, tourism comprehensive, commercial property management, hydropower, footwear and headgear, other building materials, power transmission and transformation equipment, and beer had ratios of 80% or higher.