(Yicai Global) Nov. 18 -- Financial companies' shares jumped in the morning session on China's mainland stock markets while tech firms were holding back.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.47 percent higher at 3,355.69 by the noon break. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 13,669.89, down 0.46 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, fell 1.07 percent to 2,629.53.

Insurance companies rose nearly 3 percent, led by China Life Insurance [SHA:601628], up 3.67 percent. Banks rose 2 percent, led by Xiamen Bank [SHA:601187], hitting the 10 percent limit-up to CNY10.13 (USD1.60).

Editor: Emmi Laine