(Yicai Global) Sept. 18 -- China's mainland stock markets opened slightly higher while insurance companies stocks led the group of gainers with about a 3-percent jump.

The Shanghai Composite Index was nearly unchanged from yesterday at 3,270.91 while the Nasdaq-like Star Market 50 Index was up 0.2 percent at 1,386.38.

The Shenzhen Component Index started the day at 13,026.11, up 0.08 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, edged up 0.04 percent to 2,558.29.

Editor: Emmi Laine