China stocks close mixed in thin trading

Chinese shares closed mixed on Wednesday in thin trading despite positive foreign investment data.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went down 0.13 percent, or 2.79 points, to finish at 2,148.29. The Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.29 percent, or 23.52 points, to finish at 8,236.95.

Foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland gained 2.35 percent in November from a year ago, an increase for ten consecutive months and accelerating from the 1.24-percent rise in October, said the Ministry of Commerce.

But the stock market responded with shrinking trading volume, as combined turnover on the two bourses went down to 130.2 billion yuan (21.45 billion U.S. dollars) from 151.11 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Stocks in aircraft manufacturing were big losers, with the index tracking the sector down 2.27 percent. Shaanxi Aerospace Power Hi-Tech slumped 5.03 percent and China Aerospace Times Electronics closed 3.13 percent lower.

The media and entertainment sector also saw losses, with Huayi Brothers Media Corporation down by the daily limit of 10 percent and Beijing Enlight Media falling 6.15 percent.

Bucking the trend, private hospital shares rose, with Guizhou Bailing Group Pharmaceutical up 10 percent and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group closing 5.79 percent higher.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's NASDAQ-style board of growth enterprises, shed 0.92 percent, or 11.67 points, to close at 1,256.00 points.