IN BRIEF (Page 6)

NDRC to avert bond default

China is stepping into the corporate bond market to try to avert the sixth default this year as cooling economic growth threatens even government-backed firms, said sources familiar with the matter. The National Development and Reform Commission, which regulates notes from State-owned companies, will hold a meeting with investors in government-controlled Sinosteel Co's bonds as the steel trader faces a deadline next week.

Chinese JV close to Congo deal