Shanghai stocks down as economic worries persist

SHANGHAI, Apr 19 (AFP): Shanghai shares ended flat on Friday on persistent fears about the world's number two economy, at the end of a week that saw the release of data showing growth slowed sharply in the first three months of the year.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dipped 1.14 points to 2,097.75 on turnover of 72.6 billion yuan ($11.6 billion). The index fell 1.54 per cent for the week.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, rose 0.29 per cent, or 3.13 points, to 1,089.36 on turnover of 76.2 billion yuan. It gained only 0.12 per cent over the week.