(Yicai Global) July 18 -- Stock markets on the Chinese mainland opened lower this morning as investors remain cautious in anticipation of Shanghai's new Nasdaq-style Star Market, which debuts next week.

The Shanghai Composite Index opened 0.36 percent lower at 2,921.74, while the Shenzhen Component Index started down 0.47 percent at 9,257.22. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises listed in Shenzhen, also started the day 0.47 percent weaker at 1,542.43.