Chinese equities edged higher on Monday as investors bet Beijing would expand a central bank lending program supporting share buybacks and shareholding increases. The CSI 300 Index rose 0.3% to 3,997.76 in early trading after recording its steepest monthly decline in more than a decade. Relevant channels indicate that a major Chinese state-owned megabank recently planned to add 100 billion yuan, or approximately $15.0 billion, to the targeted relending facility. Relending provides financial institutions with funding support for designated loans, including financing for listed-company buybacks and shareholding increases.