SHANGHAI (AFP) - Chinese stocks were lower in morning trade Thursday on fears of more new share offers, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.50 per cent, or 10.27 points, to 2,049.15.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, slipped 0.23 per cent, or 2.57 points, to 1,104.37.

China's stock regulator may grant approvals to more companies for initial public offerings, state media reported Thursday, following an earlier batch of 10 firms.