Stocks end slightly lower as airlines sag

Mainland's major stock index fell slightly yesterday, led by airlines after they reported first-half earnings, while brokerages climbed on fresh rumors that regulators might act to support the market.

The Shanghai Composite Index ended down 0.34 percent at 2342.15 points. It remains close to a 20-month, intra-day low of 2284.585 hit last week.

Turnover in Shanghai A shares remained tiny at 32.4 billion yuan against 31.2 billion yuan on Tuesday.