Chinese stocks fall to lowest level since March 2009

China's benchmark equity index has fallen to its lowest level for three and a half years, as investors continue to fret over the impact of the global slowdown.

Concerns over slowing growth in the region and disappointing earnings forecasts for the first half of 2012 have dampened investor sentiment, despite speculation that the Chinese government is set to introduce major stimulus measures. The downbeat outlook has sent the Shanghai Composite Index to its lowest level since March 2009, after further falls overnight. The index fell 1.7% yesterday to close at 2,147, its lowest level since March 2009, according to according to S&P Capital IQ data. The CSI 300 Index also slid 2.1% to 2,399 and the Shenzhen Composite fell 3.6%. From a high of ...