Shares of Luzhou Lao Jiao Co. rise 4.1 percent

BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese shares closed sharply lower Thursday, weighed down by sluggish performances in the resources sector as global commodity prices dipped and speculation that the government might launch more tightening measures soon.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 45.01 points, or 1.5 percent, to end at 2,957.14, just below the key psychological mark of 3,000 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index fell 153.36 points, or 1.17 percent, to close at 13,004.86 points.

Combined turnover rose to 292.19 billion yuan (44.46 billion U.S. dollars) compared to the previous trading day's 280.39 billion yuan.

Losers outnumbered gainers by 638 to 275 in Shanghai and 819 to 464 in Shenzhen.

Analysts said investors turned cautious ahead of Friday's release of key economic data and took profits from the rallies in prior trading days, particularly after the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index hit a four-month high Wednesday at 3,002.15 points after four consecutive days of gains.

Shares in medical instrument makers and wine companies led the gains while coal mines and financial sectors slumped on profit-taking moves by investors.

Shares of liquor producer Luzhou Lao Jiao Co., rose 4.1 percent to close at 46.45 yuan while shares of Kweichow Moutai Company, China's national liquor, rose 2.25 percent to end at 182 yuan.

Shanghai Copper futures dropped nearly 3 percent as global copper prices fell on the New York Mercantile Exchange and London Metal Exchange.

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co., eastern China's largest coal producer, went down 5.12 percent to end at 31.87 yuan per share, due to the slip in global commodity prices.

Adjustments in the coming days are possible as China's economic data, including the consumer price index and February's new loans, are to be released Friday, which may provide further hints for the markets, according to analysts.