(Yicai Global) July 3 -- China's mainland stock markets opened higher this morning, maintaining their strong performance of this week, and that was true especially for the financial sector.

The Shanghai Composite Index opened 0.43 percent higher at 3,104.00. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 12,295.62, up 0.21 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.08 percent to 2,426.30.

Securities brokers led the markets, as Zheshang Securities [SHA:601878] jumped by the daily limit for the third day in a row. China Securities [SHA:601066] surged 9.6 percent after its rival denied a merger plan.

Editor: Emmi Laine