(Yicai Global) Jan. 15 -- Stock markets on China's mainland were unable to sustain their early morning strength today as all major indexes slid underwater by the lunch break.

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.53 percent to 3,546.96 at the break, while its Nasdaq-like Star Market Board 50 Index, or Star 50, lost 0.11 percent to 1,445.63.

The Shenzhen Component Index was down 1.47 percent to 14,847.94. while its ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises listed in Shenzhen, was down 1.59 percent to 3,040.20.

Editor: Ben Armour