SHANGHAI (AFP) -- Chinese share prices rose 0.97 percent in Tuesday morning trade amid hopes for strong quarterly earnings in the banking sector and the bourse's recent record-breaking performance, dealers said.

They said morning gains came after the benchmark Shanghai index broke through the key 6,000 points level for the first time Monday, with banks supported by a China Merchants Bank announcement that its profits would surge.
""Investors' interest in banks was sparked by Merchants Bank's strong profit growth forecast,"" said Di Yongzhong, an analyst at GF Securities.
The Shenzhen-based bank forecast a net profit gain of more than 100 percent in the first nine months to September, citing a sharp increase in income from lending and fee-based services.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, ended the morning up 58.39 points or 0.97 percent at 6,088.48, after hitting a new intraday record of 6,124.04.
Also lending support were remarks by Shang Fulin, chairman of the securities regulator, who said during the Communist Party Congress that China's stock market was now a barometer of the economy.
""Shang's speech reflects authorities' positive views on the expansion of the stock market,"" said Di.
The Shanghai A-share Index rose 61.40 points or 0.97 percent to 6,391.88 and the Shenzhen A-share Index was up 9.35 points or 0.58 percent at 1,611.50.