(Yicai Global) Jan. 16 -- China's mainland stock markets followed divergent trends in the afternoon while financial firms traded the worst. 

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.52 percent to close at 3,074.08. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 10,967.44, down 0.04 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.3 percent to 1,929.96.

Insurers lost 1.39 percent. China Life Insurance dropped even more at 2.53 percent to CNY33.92 (USD4.92) per share. Banks fell 1.84 percent and brokerages 0.57 percent. 

Editor: Emmi Laine