DHAKA: Mainland Chinese shares headed higher on Wednesday, recovering some of the steep losses made earlier this week on concerns about the economy.

The Shanghai Composite index was up 1.8% to 3,348.22 as measures from regulators to support the stock market started to have an impact, reports the BBC.

Local reports said the securities regulator would keep in effect its ban on share sales by major shareholders until new rules were released.

The ban was set to expire on Friday.

It was put in place six months ago at the height of the mainland stock market sell-off over the summer and locked up an estimated 1.24tn yuan ($190bn; £129bn) worth of shares.

Monday’s 7% plunge in the Shanghai market, which led to the suspension of trading for the first time, triggered a global equities rout.

But a sense of calm has now moved over financial markets, said Chris Weston, chief market strategist at trading firm IG in a note.

‘While we haven't seen a snap-back rally, the flat moves in US and European markets means we can stop to catch our breath,’ he said.

Beijing’s decision on Tuesday to inject cash into the falling market also helped soothe fears.

Economic data that suggested activity in the country’s services sector expanded at its slowest pace in 17 months in December had little impact on investors’ confidence.

The Caixin/Markit purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 50.2 from 51.2 in November. A reading above 50 suggests growth in the sector, while one below that suggests contraction.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index failed to match the positive run from the mainland market and was down 0.7% to 21,042.89.

BDST: 1311 HRS, JAN 06, 2016
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