In other news involving Hong Kong-traded China stocks, Gome fell by 4.6% yesterday after it said on Friday net profit dropped 88% in the first quarter on weak sales. (See story here.) The company also said on Friday that it would increase its investments in e-commerce, as competition heats up with rivals Suning, Yahoo-invested Taobao and others.

FORBES: Lujiazui Breakfast: News And Views About China Stocks -- May 29

The first half of 2003, ahead of the hot summer, brought no relief, with year-on-year sales off 7% and operating profit and net income down 10% and 34% respectively.

FORBES: Another Look

Preliminary estimates show that private-company sales increased nearly 8 percent in 2012, and net profit margins, on average, increased to around 8 percent from around 5 percent in 2011.

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