Chinese equities edged down 0.87 percent on Tuesday, falling for the second consecutive day, driven by financial shares, amid concerns that the central bank would stick to tightening policy to stem inflation.

The Shanghai Composite Index was down 20.24 points, or 0.87 percent, to 2,304.89. The key index has tumbled more than 56 percent this year and more than 62 percent from its peak in October.

In Shenzhen, the market shed 1.39 percent, or 106.88 points, to close at 7,578.36. Aggregate turnover shrank to 38.9 billion yuan (5.7 billion U.S. dollars) from 43.3 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Gains outnumbered losses by 525-326 in Shanghai and 491-225 in Shenzhen.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2008)