Stocks close flat on mixed policy messages

Chinese mainland stock markets ended roughly flat on Thursday, even as most other Asian markets rallied, with investors put off by signs that the government is trapped between unappealing policy alternatives as it battles to stimulate the sluggish economy.

The blue-chip CSI300 index rose 0.2 percent, to 3,201.29 points, while the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.1 percent to 2,982.43 points.

The central bank said late on Wednesday that the government will use multiple monetary policy tools and maintain ample liquidity and reasonable credit growth in the second half of the year.