|
SHANGHAI
Chinese share prices ended 0.43 per cent lower in Thursday morning trade as metal stocks lost steam after Baosteel denied reports it was considering a bid for mining giant Rio Tinto, dealers said.
The market seemed little impacted by a government decision that China will shift its monetary policy stance from prudent to 'tight' in 2008 for the first time in a decade to tame inflation and overheating risks, they said.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, slid 21.81 points to 5,020.85.
The Shanghai A-share Index fell 22.89 points or 0.43 perc ent to 5,268.57, and the Shenzhen A-share Index fell 3.20 points or 0.24 per cent at 1,356.11.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong blue chips rose 0.87 per cent on Thursday morning, led by China Mobile, after strong US economic data subdued worries about a recession, prompting investors to bid up shares across the board.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index was up 255.73 points at 29,601.18.
KUALA LUMPUR
The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) rose at midday, up 14.96 points, or 1.04 per cent to 1,442.73.
TOKYO
Japanese share prices climbed 1.50 per cent in morning trade on Thursday after US stocks surged overnight on upbeat economic news and hopes of a major mortgage rescue plan from the White House, dealers said.
Reports said the US government was expected to unveil new measures Thursday which could offer relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans struggling to meet their mortgage payments amid a prolonged national housing slump.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei index gained 234.04 points to 15,842.92 by the lunch break.
The broader Topix index of all first-section shares gained 18.23 points or 1.19 per cent to 1,544.86. -- REUTERS, AFP
| 
