(Yicai Global) July 18 --  China's mainland stock markets were under pressure this morning, as  investors feared that the launch of Shanghai's new Nasdaq-style market  next week may divert capital from the main benchmarks. 

The Shanghai Composite  Index fell 0.7 percent to 2,912.65 before the lunch break. The Shenzhen  Component Index dropped 1.2 percent to 9,190.23. The ChiNext Price  Index, which tracks growth enterprises listed in Shenzhen, slid 1.3  percent to 1,530.35. 

The Star Market, which strives to encourage investment in tech startups, is scheduled to start trading on July 22.

Editor: Emmi Laine