Chinese shares dropped by 0.72 percent to close at 1,969 points on Friday amid rebounds on other Asian equities markets.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, fell 0.72 percent to 1,969 points. The Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.22 percent to 6,711 points.

The slight drop indicated that investor sentiment was boosted by rises in the regional market and expectation of a further interest rate cut over the weekend, said analysts.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2008)