Equities decline as growth concerns mount

SHANGHAI - Mainland equities declined for a fourth day, sending the benchmark index to its longest losing streak in two months, on concern a stronger yuan and flooding in the southern region will slow economic growth.

"There is uncertainty over economic growth this year as domestic and overseas demand may be hurt by tightening measures and exchange-rate policies," said Wang Zheng, a fund manager at Jingxi Investment Management Co in Shanghai. "I am cautious about the outlook for the stock market."

The Shanghai Composite Index slipped 17.54, or 0.7 percent, to 2535.28 at the close, the longest losing streak since the six days ended April 29. The CSI 300 Index lost 0.7 percent to 2716.78.