(Yicai Global) Nov. 14 -- China's stock markets wilted this morning after yesterday's good performance, with the downturn dragging on until saved by the lunch bell, in trading volume almost unchanged from yesterday morning.

The ferrous metal sector held its lead with iron resolution, just as it did yesterday afternoon, rising 1.64 percent at close. Transportation revved up 0.88 percent to take second place.

The communications and internet sectors took the heaviest hits, knocking them 2.43 percent lower. Nearly ten sectors slipped more than 1 percent.

The Shanghai Composite Index dropped down 0.45 percent to 3,432.41 points at the intermission, with turnover of CNY153.7 billion (USD23.15 billion). The Shenzhen Component Index closed at 11,610.14 points, down 0.73 percent, with turnover of CNY192.7 billion. The Growth Enterprise Index, mostly comprising small-cap companies, bobbed up 0.19 percent to 1,902.88 points, with CNY52.49 billion swapped.