China stocks at their most subdued since 1992 as state tightens grip

Hong Kong

CHINESE stocks haven't been so subdued since 1992 as government efforts to maintain stability as well as tightening liquidity deter traders.

A gauge of 90-day volatility on the Shanghai Composite Index fell to a 24-year low at the end of December and has barely budged since, while turnover on the country's equity exchanges slumped to the lowest in two years last week. The benchmark measure added 0.4 per cent to 3,133.45 at 1.08 pm local time on Monday. China's markets will close for a week-long holiday from Friday.