By Tom Westbrook SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Chinese shares slumped and commodities were struggling to find a footing on Wednesday as investors tempered expectations for a robust Chinese economic recovery, while a downbeat outlook from New Zealand's central bank sent the kiwi to a seven-week low.

"The strong showing today is not a big surprise as the Chinese bourses are probably playing catch-up after both the Hang Seng Tech Index in Hong Kong and the Golden Dragon Index in the U.S. surged by over 10% in the first week of October when Chinese markets were closed for the Golden Week holidays.

European stocks fluctuated at the open on Wednesday as investors assessed the impact of a faltering rally in Chinese shares on sectors most exposed to the world’s second biggest economy.