San Ramon-based Chevron was among the major energy companies that posted strong gains on Friday on the heels of positive economic reports from China and Germany.

Chevron climbed 1.3 percent, or $1.37 a share, and finished at $105.47.

Among other U.S.-based oil companies with refineries in the Bay Area, ConocoPhillips rose 1.1 percent, Valero Energy jumped 3 percent and Tesoro gained 1.9 percent.

A preliminary report on Chinese manufacturing activity hinted at expansion in November. If so, that would mark the first growth for manufacturing in China in about a year.

Contact George Avalos at 925-977-8477. Follow him at twitter.com/george_avalos.