SHANGHAI (AFP) - Chinese stocks were higher in early trade on Monday, helped by gains in US stocks last week, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.48 per cent, or 9.71 points, to 2,044.28.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, gained 0.69 per cent, or 7.14 points, to 1,047.60.