(Yicai Global) May 17 -- China's mainland stock markets fell sharply today, with brokerages, fuel cell producers, industrial hemp farmers, and communication service providers declining the most.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed down 2.5 percent at 2,882.30, with a turnover of CNY247.9 billion (USD35.9 billion). The Shenzhen Component Index fell 3.2 percent to 9,000.19, with turnover of CNY325.8 billion. The ChiNext Index fell 3.6 percent to 1,478.75, with a trading volume of CNY93.8 billion.

Agricultural companies, including corn processors, led the group that swam against the downward stream. 

Editor: Emmi Laine