The Shanghai Composite slipped 0.2% to 4,098 on Thursday, while the Shenzhen Composite lost 0.4% to 15,117, with both benchmarks retreating after recently hitting a one-month high and a more-than-four-year peak, respectively, as investors grappled with a lack of fresh market catalysts and persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Tensions in the Middle East remained a key overhang, with Iran restricting most international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that its forces fired on commercial vessels on Wednesday, while the US continues to enforce a blockade on ships linked to Iranian ports. Market attention has also turned to the April 27–30 session of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, where lawmakers will review draft revisions to the Prison Law and consider other legislative changes. Significant losses were seen in Zijin Mining Group (-2.5%), BYD (-2.2%), Suzhou TFC Optical Communication (-4.6%), and Muyuan Foods (-3%).
