Chinese shares slightly lower in morning trade

Chinese share prices were lower in Wednesday morning trade on inflation concerns ahead of the release of first quarter economic indicators in the afternoon, dealers said.

State media reported earlier that the inflation rate for March was expected to remain near 12-year highs, making more tightening measures more likely.

The national bureau of statistics is due to release key economic indicators for the first quarter, including the consumer price index, the major inflation gauge, at 2:30 pm (0630 GMT).

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, was down 13.77 points or 0.41 percent to 3,334.59 at 10:08 am (0208 GMT).

The Shanghai A-share index lost 14.46 points or 0.41 percent to 3,498.78 points, while the Shenzhen A-share index shed 3.29 points or 0.30 percent to 1,076.71.

(Agencies)