(Yicai Global) Sept. 19 -- China's mainland stock markets opened higher this morning, keeping step with those in Japan and South Korea after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points yesterday.

The Shanghai Composite Index started 0.24 percent higher at 2,992.92. The Shenzhen Component Index opened up 0.34 percent at 9,786.40, and the ChiNext Price Index, which tracks listed companies in Shenzhen, began 0.33 percent higher at 1,684.93. Some 16 firms listed on the Star Market, Shanghai's new board for innovative science and tech startups, started the day up.

Security and insurance brokers and power equipment manufacturers were among the biggest gainers, while precious metal and natural energy stocks led losers.