Chinese equities closed down 2.98 percent on Friday.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dipped 2.98 percent, or 93.59 points, to finish at 3,046.97. The Shenzhen Component Index slumped 2.37 percent, or 303.16 points, to close at 12,499.75.

Combined turnover rose to 227.67 billion yuan (33.33 billion U.S. dollars) from from 206.76 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2009)