Stocks down on likely new tough property measures

SHANGHAI - Mainland stocks fell as developers dropped amid speculation the government will issue new measures to avert a property bubble, overshadowing gains by energy producers after manufacturing rose for a second month.

China Vanke Co dropped to a two-month low after Credit Suisse Group AG said regulators will implement a property tax. China Shenhua Energy Co gained the most in three weeks as a purchasing managers' index rose to the highest level in five months in September. Jiangxi Copper Co surged 4.2 percent after metal prices rose.

"There's still caution ahead of holidays and the market is concerned the government may introduce further tightening measures," said Dai Ming, a fund manager at Shanghai Kingsun Investment Management & Consulting Co.