Shanghai shares close lower amid concerns over foreign B-share selling

SHANGHAI (AFX-ASIA) - A-share prices closed slightly lower after dropping from slight intra-day highs as sentiment weakenened in response to declines on the B-share market, dealers said.    B-share prices closed lower in volatile trade, they added, with investor confidence hurt by news that foreign strategic investors have trimmed their stakes in Shenzhen-listed B-share firms China International Marine Containers and Guangdong Provincial Expressway.    The news highlighted concerns that many foreign strategic investors have taken the B-shares' recent sharp gains as an opportunity to withdraw from the market.    By contrast, many of the investors who have bought B-shares over recent weeks appear to be only short-term investors seeking quick gains.    This has heightened concerns that B-share prices could undergo a sharp correction as sentiment turns, they said.    The A-share index was down 5.16 points or 0.23 pct at 2,203.27 on turnover of 12.78 bln yuan after trading between 2,213.44 and 2,198.78.    The B-share index was 1.43 points or 0.91 pct lower at 155.22 after trading between 158.34 and 152.88.    The composite A and B-share index was 5.21 points or 0.24 pct lower at 2,101.65 on turnover of 15.67 bln yuan after trading to a high of 2,111.73 and a low of 2,096.93.    The SSE-30 index dropped 19.05 points to 4,043.74.	    more 

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