(Yicai Global) July 3 -- China's three benchmark indexes opened lower today.

The Shanghai Composite Index set out 0.4 percent lower at 3,031.83 this morning, while the Shenzhen Component Index was down 0.27 percent at 9,519.80. The ChiNext likewise got the day 0.27 off to a percent weaker start at 1,566.30.

Gold stocks led the charge with a 2.21 percent average rise after a two-day decline. Shipbuilding shares yielded ground they gained yesterday on euphoria following the the merger of two Chinese shipbuilding giants to lead losses with a 1.9 percent overall decrease.

Editor: Ben Armour