Chinese shares edged down 0.66 percent on the last day before the New Year holiday with thin trade volume, as investors' confidence remained low, said market dealers.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.66 percent or 12.10 points to 1,820.81. The Shenzhen Component Index fell 1.11 percent or 72.65 points to 6,485.51.

Combined turnover was 55 billion yuan (US$8 billion), compared with 60 billion yuan in previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2008)