By Zheng Buchun

A-shares moved higher on the first full trading day of the New Year that got going.

China Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) increased to 51.9 in December from 50.9 a month earlier, which is the metric's fastest rise since January 2013. In general, securities, banking and defense stocks perform well, while stocks of growth enterprises are relatively weak.

The strong start is largely due to China's foreign exchange control, which in turn helps ease the market strain. As the spring festival is approaching, the stock market more or less will be affected.

In general, the stock market will remain tight during the whole year of 2017. As long as the Federal Reserve's rate hikes do not come in the first half of 2017, A-shares still get chances to rise. Personally, I think the Federal Reserve is unlikely to raise interest rates that early. You may go and get your trades.

(Zheng Buchun is NBD's columnist)