Chinese shares closed higher on Tuesday, led by steel, electric, and non-ferrous metal sectors.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index was up 1.40 percent, or 40.25 points, to close at 2,910.88. The Shenzhen Component Index added 0.9 percent, or 104.50 points, to finish at 11,773.30.

Combined turnover on the two bourses shrank to 180.2 billion yuan (US$26.38 billion) from the previous trading day's 214.47 billion yuan.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2009)