Shanghai A-shares close slightly higher; B-shares higher

SHANGHAI (AFX-ASIA) - A-share prices closed marginally higher in thin trade, dealers said.	    Despite slight gains, which briefly drove the composite index close to its record intra-day high of 2,131.98, underlying sentiment remained cautious amid continued speculation that the government will soon start floating its stakes in listed companies, they said.	    Concerns about the outlook for the economy amid a weakening external environment added to underlying caution, as did uncertainty over the future for Sino-U.S. relations as China and the U.S. remain in a stand-off following the collision of a U.S. navy surveillance aircraft and a Chinese fighter jet.	    Nonetheless, analysts said that since many of the factors are seen having a negative impact on the market -- including the expected launch of a second board market -- they are only likely to emerge in the second half of the year, with some institutions currently seeking to drive prices higher in order to take profits ahead of the negative news.	    The A-share index gained 11.28 points or 0.5 pct to 2,228.85 on turnover of 10.32 bln yuan after trading between 2,228.92 and 2,219.57.	    B-share prices closed higher, having briefly dropped to flat in intra-day trade, they said.	    While B-shares remained the subject of strong buying by domestic individuals, analysts said several key domestic institutions have already taken large profits from the B-share market and are now seeking more attractive investment opportunities elsewhere, particularly in China-related Hong Kong-listed shares.	    The B-share index closed 2.10 points or 1.28 pct higher at 166.04 after trading between 166.05 and 164.16.	    The composite A and B share index closed 11.11 points or 0.52 pct higher at 2,128.47 on turnover of 12.13 bln yuan after trading to a high of 2,128.54 and a low of 2,119.35.	    The SSE-30 index rose 22.69 points to 4,040.51. 

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