(Yicai Global) Dec. 25 -- Chinese stock markets on the mainland closed slightly lower today, while advances in equities related to fifth-generation cellular networks curbed bigger downward pressures that started from the morning. 

The Shanghai Composite Index rose above the 2,500 point mark, while closing 0.88 percent down at 2,504.82 points. Trading volume was CNY114.8 billion (USD16.7 billion). The Shenzhen Composite Index closed 0.81 percent lower at 7332.35 points, with a turnover of CNY161.2 billion. The Growth Enterprise Market Index closed at 1273.45 points, 0.85 percent down, with a trading volume of CNY52.9 billion (USD 7.7 billion).

The sectors of communication equipment manufacturing, telecoms and airports led the gains. Over 10 stocks related to 5G reached the daily upper limit of 10 percent. Those related to environmental and tourism development as well as oil industry decreased the most.

In Japan, the Nikkei-225 Index closed 5.01 percent lower at 19155.74, marking a decrease of over 20 percent since a peak on Oct. 2. The Tokyo Stock Price Index closed 4.88 percent lower at 1,415.55. 

In the US, the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.7 percent yesterday to close at 2,351.12, which was only seven points shy of a bear market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 2.91 percent to close at 21,972.20 points. The Nasdaq slid 2.21 percent to 6,192.2.

Editor: Emmi Laine