Gains for infrastructure stocks countered by declines for financial, pharma firms

Stock markets in the Chinese mainland saw mixed performance on Tuesday, with gains in infrastructure-linked stocks offset by falls in financial and pharmaceutical shares.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose for a sixth straight trading session on Tuesday. The index inched up by 0.65 points or 0.03 percent to 2,430.68 points on Tuesday.

The Shenzhen Component Index nudged down by 33.36 points or 0.40 percent to 8,206.79 points.

Combined turnover on the two bourses on Tuesday was 429.77 billion yuan ($70.24 billion), up from Monday's 426.97 billion yuan.

Shares linked to infrastructure construction saw strong gains on Tuesday, rising more than 5 percent. China Communications Construction and Sinoma International Engineering Co soared by the daily limit of 10 percent to 6.13 yuan and 9.97 yuan, respectively.

Electricity, nonferrous and coal stocks also supported the markets, but financial and pharmaceutical shares fell back on Tuesday.

Financial stocks retreated for a second consecutive day after a strong gain on Friday. Ping An Bank Co fell by 2.34 percent to 10.85 yuan and Founder Securities dipped 2.04 percent to 6.23 yuan.

ChiNext, China's NASDAQ-style board for high-tech and fast-growing start-ups listed in Shenzhen, declined by 13.50 points or 0.88 percent to 1,516.40 points on Tuesday.