Chinese shares have returned to positive territory after massive losses earlier in the week rocket markets around the globe. The Shanghai Composite was up by 2.3% at 2,991.91 points. The turnaround, though, does little to make up double digit percentage losses made so far this week.
Chinese shares continued to lose ground despite the central bank's latest effort to reassure traders. The mainland's benchmark Shanghai Composite was down 1.1% to 2,930.23 points after a volatile open earlier. The index had already fallen about 16% this week, sending shockwaves through global markets.
China's central bank cut interest rates and lowered the amount of reserves banks must hold for the second time in two months on Tuesday, ratcheting up support for a stuttering economy and a plunging stock market that has sent shockwaves around the globe.
Chinese shares continued their sharp fall on Monday as concerns over the country's slowing growth and volatile markets sparked panic among traders. The mainland benchmark index, the Shanghai Composite, fell sharply by 8.4% to 3,211.75 points, extending last week's losses.
Asian stocks saw sharp falls on Friday as mounting concerns over China's slowing economy continued to affect global markets. It follows big falls in US and European markets on Thursday, with the Dow Jones dropping more than 2%.
After days of volatility Chinese equities traded lower once again on Thursday, despite Beijing's efforts to calm markets. The mainland's benchmark Shanghai Composite was 1.3% down to 3,751.48 points.
China stocks continued their sell-off on Wednesday following a 6% plunge in the previous session. The benchmark Shanghai Composite opened down 2.7% at 3,646.75 points on Wednesday before sliding further to register a 5% loss by mid-morning. The index closed down 6.1% at 3,749.12 points on Tuesday, its biggest daily decline since July 27.
Toyota and John Deere have said they will halt work at plants near China's port of Tianjin where huge explosions last week killed more than 100 people. Toyota's production lines will be closed until the end of Wednesday while John Deere suspended work indefinitely.
Chinese shares rose on Friday as the central bank set the reference rate for the Yuan slightly stronger. The bank set the rate at 6.3975 per dollar compared to Thursday's close of 6.3982.
The People's Bank of China (PBoC) weakened the Yuan against the dollar for a third consecutive day on Thursday, following reports the central bank intervened to stem the currency's sharp slide late on Wednesday. The PBoC set the Yuan fixing at 6.4010, compared to the previous day's close of 6.3870, sending the currency 0.7% lower to 6.43 per dollar in early trade.