Chinese shares plunged more than 8 percent Monday after the countrys securities regulator imposed margin trading curbs on several major brokerages, a sign that authorities are trying to rein in the markets big gains. Other Asian stock markets were mostly higher. KEEPING SCORE: The Shanghai Composite Index was down 8.3 percent at 3,096.64, giving investors a wild ride after a year in which Chinas stock market marched higher despite slowing economic growth. For the past three months, the index is still up 32 percent. Its dive rubbed off on Hong Kong where the Hang Seng was off 2.1 percent at 23,605.00. Japans Nikkei 225 rose 0.9 percent to 17,014.29 and South Koreas Kospi gained 0.8 percent to 1,902.62. Australias S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.2 percent to 5,309.10. Shares were also higher in Taiwan, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. CHINA CURBS: The China Securities Regulatory Commission imposed curbs late Friday on margin financing, or borrowing to purchase stocks, following an investigation of the industry. The three affected brokerages, Citic Securities Co., Haitong Securities Co. and Guotai Junan, were forbidden to lend money and shares to new customers for three months after they allegedly were caught extending margin trading contracts in violation of the rules. The Shanghai Composite has surged almost 60 percent in the past year. Investors fear regulators believe prices have risen too much recently and might impose more curbs. THE QUOTE: Dickie Wong, executive director of research at Kingston Securities in Hong Kong, said regulators want to tamp down some of the riskier financing practices underpinning the mainland Chinese stock markets astonishing surge that began half a year ago. The recent bull market is mainly driven by margin financing, he said. With the rally overdone, regulators want to simply give pause to the brokerages. Mainland Chinese regulators allowed margin financing and short selling only in recent years and Wong said many mainland investors may still be unaware of the risks involved. CHINA, ECB: Investors are awaiting Chinas economic growth data due Tuesday, which is likely to show a further slowdown in the fourth quarter, and are also anticipating possible stimulus moves by the European Central Bank. Markets generally settled down after volatility provoked by the Swiss central banks shock decision Thursday to untether the Swiss franc from the euro. Japans central bank is not expected to make any major moves in a policy meeting that wraps up Wednesday. ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude was down 19 cents at $48.50 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract jumped $2.44 on Friday to settle at $48.69. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils, was up 1 cent at $50.18 a barrel in London. CURRENCIES: The euro was little changed at $1.1562 from $1.1561 late Friday. The dollar dropped to 117.14 yen from 117.57 yen.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 07:06:38 +0000
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