Chinese shares slump 4.44 percent in morning trade

Chinese share prices slumped 4.44 percent in Monday morning trade, as investors remained worried ahead of the release of key economic figures including inflation, dealers said.

Falls in Hong Kong on Monday morning following a weak close on Wall Street on Friday also dampened sentiment, they said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, was down 155.07 points at 3,337.83.

"Investors were still cautious as authorities are scheduled to release economic figures this week, and the outlook for the stock market remains uncertain," said Zhang Qi, an analyst at Haitong Securities.

The inflation rate for March is expected to come in at 8.3 percent, and around eight percent for the first quarter, Liu Shiyu, vice governor of the central bank, was quoted in the state press as saying on Monday.

The inflation and full first-quarter economic growth figures are due out on Thursday.

The Shanghai A-share Index fell 162.63 points or 4.44 percent to 3,502.21, while the Shenzhen A-share Index lost 59.95 points or 5.30 percent at 1,070.92.

(Agencies)