China shares lower in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares fell 0.47 percent in early trade on Thursday as investors worried over inflation before the release of February economic data, dealers said. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 14.02 points at 2,988.13. China is due to release its February inflation data on Friday. People's Bank of China adviser Li Daokui said consumer goods prices would rise five percent on average this year and surging international commodity prices would be a major cause of uncertainty, the China Daily reported. The Shanghai A-share index was down 0.47 percent, or 14.75 points, to 3,128.95 while the Shenzhen A-share index was down 0.30 percent, or 4.12 points, at 1,368.55.