Chinese shares close lower after data release

Chinese shares closed lower on Monday after data showed that China's April retail growth fell short of the government's full-year target.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.22 percent, or 4.91 points, to end at 2,241.92. The Shenzhen Component Index lost 0.63 percent, or 56.88 points, to close at 9,014.28.

Combined turnover shrank to 170.74 billion yuan (27.54 billion U.S. dollars) from 181.13 billion yuan the previous trading day.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's retail sales grew 12.8 percent year on year in April, picking up from the 12.6-percent rise seen in March but still below the 14.5-percent target the government expects for the full year.

Also in April, China's industrial value-added output rose 9.3 percent year on year, accelerating from the 8.9-percent growth seen in March but below the market estimates of 9.5 percent.

Financial shares led Monday's declines, with the sub-index for the sector dropping 0.85 percent. Everbright Securities Co. Ltd lost 2.68 percent to 13.42 yuan per share. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd decreased 2.21 percent to 40.19 yuan.

The cement sector edged down as investors expect their profits to suffer amid the weak economic recovery. BBMG Corporation, one of China's top cement makers, fell 2.13 percent to 6.42 yuan per share. Jilin Yatai (Group) Co. Ltd declined 1.26 percent 4.71 yuan.

Coal-related sectors also fell on Monday. Shanxi Coal International Energy Group Co. Ltd lost 1.68 percent to 14.6 yuan per share. Guansu Jingyuan Coal Industry And Electricity Power Co. Ltd edged down 2.00 percent to 9.79 yuan.

Bucking the trend, aviation shares rallied. Hafei Aviation Industry Co. Ltd surged 4.31 percent to 27.08 yuan per share. AVIC Aero-Engine Controls Co. Ltd advanced 8.81 percent to 12.84 yuan.

The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, rose 0.69 percent, or 6.81 points to 995.11, close to the 1,000-point mark.