China A-share power-grid equipment sector rallied; Yikun Electric, Zhongneng Electric, Han Cable, Xinya Cable and Hangdian hit daily limit-up, while Hongyuan, Tongguang Cable, Yangdian Technology and Heshun Electric rose. The 15th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development calls for improved coordinated planning and construction mechanisms for new energy, the grid and flexibility resources, and for appropriately advancing grid infrastructure construction ahead of schedule.

Ministry of Finance deputy director Ma Hongbing said cumulative growth in national general public budget revenue rose month-on-month, reflecting resilient economic activity; price increases, an active equity market and strong foreign trade materially supported revenue growth. 1H national general public budget expenditure totaled 14.33 tln yuan, up 1.5% YoY. Authorities said they maintained necessary fiscal spending to protect priority areas. Major items: social security and employment spending 2.636 tln yuan (+7.6% YoY); health spending 1.219 tln yuan (+10.8% YoY).

U.S. EIA crude oil imports for week ended July 17: 485,000 barrels; prior -399,000 barrels.