Chinese equities rose slightly on Tuesday after media reported new yuan-denominated loans in April would fall to 600 billion yuan (US$87.85 billion) from a record high of 1.89 trillion yuan a month earlier.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.29 percent, or 7.43 points, to close at 2,567.34. The Shenzhen Component Index was up 0.49 percent, or 48.14 points, to 9,947.81.

Gainers outnumbered losers by 645 to 267 in Shanghai and 571 to 194 in Shenzhen.

Combined turnover rose to 231.16 billion yuan from 221.65 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2009)