(Yicai Global) Dec. 30 -- China's three major stock benchmarks started the day over 0.2 percent down with non-banking financial companies and electronic equipment manufacturers leading the group of losers. Cement makers averted the downward trend by climbing 2.51 percent.

The Shanghai Composite Index began 0.23 percent lower at 2,998.17. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 10,203.82, down 0.29 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, fell 0.23 percent to 1,763.58.

During the first five minutes of trading, NBFCs, such as currency exchange and underwriting institutions, dropped 3.1 percent. Electronic equipment manufacturers fell 2.3 percent.

Editor: Emmi Laine