Chinese equities inched up Thursday as the newly-released January consumer price index, a main gauge to measure inflation, was lower than market expectation, sparking speculation that the central bank would delay interest rate increases. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.1 percent, or 3 points, to 2,985.5 points. The Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.32 percent, or 39.22 points, to 12,224.6 points. Combined turnover shrank to 112.52 billion yuan (16.47 billion U.S. dollars) from 115.46 billion yuan on the previous trading day. Losers outnumbered gainers by 540 to 311 in Shanghai and 484 to 373 in Shenzhen. 