China stock fell on Thursday, buyers retreated on speculation of a possible US interest rate hike later this month and concerns liquidity could tighten as Beijing's steps up its fight against leverage. The blue-chip CSI300 index fell 0.7 percent, to 3,435.10 points, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.5 percent to 3,230.03 points.
CSI300, the blue-chip index, has climbed around 20 percent over the past year on signs of economic recovery, supported by Beijing's fiscal stimulus and efforts to shut down "zombie" companies. But the rally has tapered off in over the last few months, suggesting further gains could be limited. Most sectors fell, led by infrastructure and real estate stocks, after a poll showed China's house price growth will slow significantly on continuing government curbs and tighter credit conditions this year.