(Yicai Global) Feb. 3 -- Chinese stock markets opened between 8 percent and 9 percent lower this morning, the first trading day after the Chinese New Year holiday, which was extended beyond its usual week to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan.

The Shanghai Composite Index started 8.73 percent lower at 2,716.7, while the Shenzhen Component Index slumped 9.13 percent to 9,706.58. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, began 8.23 percent down at 1,759.16.