Chinese equities fell almost 3 percent on Tuesday as investors took profits from previous gains, analysts said, and also reacted to falls on Asian markets.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.93 percent, or 69.95 points, to 2,319.44. The Shenzhen Component Index declined 3.53 percent, or 309.89 points, to 8,461.16.

Combined turnover was 258.5 billion yuan (US$37.85 billion), down from 273.55 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Losers led gainers by 761 to 118 in Shanghai and by 669 to 88 in Shenzhen.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)