The blue-chip CSI300 index fell 1.0% to 4,867.32, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.2% to 3,656.22.
China’s factory and retail sectors faltered in August, with output and sales growth hitting one-year lows as fresh coronavirus outbreaks and supply disruptions threatened the country’s economic recovery.
“We expect Beijing to use more general easing measures to offset its tightening stance on the property sector and carbon emissions,” Nomura analysts said in a note.
The consumer staples sub-index and the tourism sub-index shed around 2%, as China fights the latest coronavirus outbreak in the southeast Fujian province, and some cities have issued travel warnings ahead of major holidays.
“The recovery in retail sales will likely continue to be sluggish as recent virus outbreaks may dampen consumer confidence and people’s willingness to travel,” said HSBC in a note.
The real estate sector and banks finished down 2.5% and 0.9%, respectively, as issues related to China Evergrande Group prompted worries of broader risks to the country’s real estate market and financial system.
“We think Beijing is willing to shoulder some short-term pain in order to seek long-term gains, and this time around Beijing won’t easily dial back its property curbs,” said Nomura.
A sub-index tracking energy shares rose 1.5% after oil prices climbed.
