China shares lower in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares fell 0.41 percent in early trade Wednesday after data showed domestic manufacturing expanded at a slower pace in May, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 11.13 points at 2,732.35.

The Shanghai A-share index shed 11.71 points, or 0.41 percent, to 2,861.35, while the Shenzhen A-share index added 1.22 points, or 0.10 percent, at 1,164.21.

The purchasing managers index fell to 52.0 percent in May -- the lowest level in nine months from 52.9 percent in April, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said in a statement.

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

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011