Reports of property easing lift listed firms

Central govt said to adopt unwritten rule leaving curbs to local discretion

Market reaction to reports that China will ease property curbs in most cities has underscored the depth of anxiety over the danger of a plunge in the housing market, one of the economy's biggest growth engines.

The Guangzhou-based weekly newspaper Southern Weekend reported on Thursday that except for the four largest cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen), cities will be allowed to "adjust" housing control policies as they see fit.