Chinese shares went down 0.9 percent Thursday, responding to a global market downfall triggered by unfavorable economic data in the United States.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 23.88 points to close at 2,639.89. The Shenzhen Component Index edged down 0.41 percent, or 42.22 points, to 10,252.15.

Wall Street dropped sharply in early trading Wednesday after retail sales unexpectedly decreased in April for a second month.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2009)