The Chinese markets regulator is looking at new rules to restrict the sale of shares by big investors after yesterday’s 7% fall on the Shanghai Composite Index. The China’s Securities Regulatory Commission says the consequence suspension of trade helped calm markets. Chinese markets fell because of weak Chinese manufacturing figures and worries about the end of a limit on share sales by major investors. The Shanghai Composite opened down 3% today but recovered ground in a volatile power trading session. 

 

And concerns about China’s economy hit the Australian share market and major commodities. The All Ordinaries Index lost 1.6% after a late sell-off. Miners, energy and financial stocks led the falls on the ASX 200. Big miners and big banks took a hit. JB Hi-Fi jumped more than 2% after Dick Smith’s troubles. Gold Miner Newcrest mining rose on higher gold prices. And oil and gas explorer AWE jumped after approved new gas field. To commodities, Tapis Crude Oil dropped below 40 US dollars a barrel. Spot gold rose as investors look for a safe haven. And the Australian dollar increased to around 72 US cents after an overnight sell-off.