Large inventories, sluggish demand hamper listed firms

Slightly more than half of A-share listed companies reported a positive outlook in their first-quarter reports and many others are burdened by large inventories and sluggish demand amid slower-than-expected GDP growth.

Analysts said the outlook is likely to remain uncertain for A-share companies in the first half of 2013.

Companies in the retail, machinery and construction materials sectors posted the least positive performances and made the most guarded forecasts for the next quarters.