Chinese shares close lower at midday
Shanghai Composite Index dropping 0.94 percent to finish at 2,699.66 points.
China approves three IPO applications
China's top securities regulator has approved new IPO applications from three companies.
Chinese shares close lower Thursday
Chinese shares closed lower Thursday with the cement industry leading the decline.
Hong Kong stocks open 0.41 pct higher
Hong Kong stocks gained 117.49 points, or 0.41 percent, to open at 28,533.93 points on Thursday.