B share markets dive

China's Class B share markets took a dive yesterday in reaction to the news that two listed companies would not compensate B share-holders for potential losses incurred as they sell non-tradable shares, the Wall Street Journal reported. The plan of property developer China Vanke and bicycle maker Shanghai Forever is likely to be adopted by other firms undergoing share-reform. The Shanghai B share index fell 4.8% to 64.40, and the Shenzhen B share index lost 4.2% to 214.23. Class B shares can be traded by local and foreign investors, unlike yuan-denominated Class A shares, which are tradable only by locals and select foreign institutions.