Chinese shares down slightly in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares were down slightly in morning trade Thursday, despite an improvement in the country's manufacturing sector in February, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 0.21 percent, or 5.07 points, at 2,423.42.

China's official purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to 51.0 in February from 50.5 in January, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said.

A reading above 50 indicates the sector is expanding, while a reading below 50 suggests a contraction.