China's auto sales maintained steady growth in the first two months of 2010, buoyed by the nation's car purchase incentives and strong demand brought by the week-long Spring Festival holidays.

The best job prospects are in emerging regions including Suzhou, Chongqing and Shenzhen, according to a Manpower China survey out yesterday.

Prices of some imported fruits have been slashed compared with the recent Spring Festival period, as a result of fresh goods from the United States and changing public attitudes.

China's gold reserve amounts to 1,054 tons, ranking fifth in the world, said Yi Gang, central bank vice governor on Tuesday.

SAIC Motors, China's largest carmaker, said its vehicle sales rose 45 percent in February as Beijing's policy incentives continued to drive buyers into showrooms in the world's largest auto market.

China Life Insurance Co, the world's biggest life insurer by market value, on Tuesday revised up its 2009 net profit growth forecast to more than 200 percent from 2008, citing accounting rule changes.

Wuxi Little Swan Co, Ltd, a major washing machine manufacturer in China, said its net profits surged 454.93 percent year-on-year to 222.18 million yuan ($32.54 million) in 2009, partly due to strong rural consumption.

China is considering offering a subsidy of as much as 60,000 yuan ($8,797) to consumers who buy a new energy vehicle, Li Yizhong, minister of Industry And Information Technology, said Monday.

Housing prices could double or even triple in some areas of Hebei province once the capital's subway system reaches the vicinity.

State-owned gasoline stations are offering price cuts on 93 octane gasoline in downtown Beijing, in alleged response to fierce market competition from private and foreign-funded gas stations.