Chinese equities closed slightly higher on Thursday as the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went up 0.45 percent, or 14.54 points, to close at 3,277.14 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.41 percent, or 55.5 points, to close at 13,699.97 points.

Combined turnover expanded to 220.86 billion yuan (US$32.48 billion), from 197.2 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2009)