(Yicai Global) July 28 -- China's mainland stock markets remained high in the morning session after a strong opening, while gold firms fell back dramatically around lunchtime after a steady surge over recent days.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed 0.6 percent higher at 3,224.47 at the half break. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 13,109.66, up 1.02 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.93 percent to 2,656.29.

The gold sector shed all its morning gains and sank 2 percent by lunchtime. The spot gold price quickly receded after hitting a record high of USD1,981 per ounce, quoting USD1,944 at high noon.

Editor: Ben Armour