Stock exchanges dip slightly following two days of gains

Markets in the Chinese mainland dipped Tuesday after gains in the previous two trading sessions, while most other Asian markets rose on the expectation that US politicians will reach an agreement in debt talks ahead of the Thursday deadline.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell by 4.36 points or 0.19 percent to close at 2,233.41, on turnover of 138.5 billion yuan ($22.69 billion). The Shenzhen Component Index dropped by 59.76 points or 0.68 percent to 8,700.34 on turnover of 146.7 billion yuan.

Combined turnover on the two bourses was 287.54 billion yuan, down from Monday's 302.1 billion yuan.

Following an announcement Monday by the State Council of new measures to boost healthcare services, shares in private hospitals and healthcare equipment companies rose Tuesday, with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co jumping by 10.02 percent to 16.91 yuan and Topchoice Medical Investment Inc rising by 9.88 percent to 36.82 yuan.

Firms related to the fishery industry also gained Tuesday following media reports that the sector may benefit from new land reforms. Shandong Homey Aquatic Development Co was one of about 40 related shares that rose by the daily limit of 10 percent.

Meanwhile, shares in banks remained sluggish. China's largest lender, ICBC, slipped 2.01 percent to 11.21 yuan; China Construction Bank fell by 1.62 percent to 4.25 yuan; and Bank of China fell 1.41 percent to 2.79 yuan.