capitalization stocks that rose strongly in the past two weeks. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.5 percent to 1,102.59 and the Shenzhen Composite Index lost 0.7 percent, ending at 261.49. SINGAPORE: Singapore's shares edged down amid losses in SingTel and other blue chips. The Straits Times Index dipped 2.8 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,362.39. SYDNEY: Australian shares inched up despite investor caution during the early days of the local earnings reporting season. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 4.9 points, or 0.1 percent, at 4,373.7. TAIPEI: Taiwan's shares were hurt by profit-taking in tech shares after the market reached a 15-month high Wednesday. The benchmark index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange declined 9.56 points, or 0.2 percent, to 6,446.01. WELLINGTON: New Zealand shares edged higher, buoyed by a surge in bellwether Telecom as investors bought the stock anticipating the company will announce a special dividend Friday. The NZSX-50 index ended up 5 points, or 0.2 percent, at 3,354.05.
