The Shanghai Composite slipped 0.31% to 4,126, while the Shenzhen Component rose 0.56% to 14,249 on Wednesday, as mainland equities gave back earlier gains after authorities lifted the minimum margin requirement for financing stock purchases to 100% from 80%, reinforcing Beijing’s push to curb excess risk in capital markets. The move comes after Chinese shares surged to multi year highs at the start of the year, with trading volumes across mainland exchanges hitting record levels on expectations of further policy support and continued advances in artificial intelligence. Global investment banks have also turned more constructive on Chinese equities, pointing to attractive valuations, supportive industry policies, and a solid earnings outlook. Clean energy and defense stocks were mostly lower, while technology shares continued to lead the market higher.
