(Yicai Global) March 13 -- China's Nasdaq-like ChiNext board was the biggest loser today as all three of the mainland's benchmark indexes ended the day down, though trading volume remained above CNY1 trillion (USD149 billion).

The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, dived almost 4.5 percent to 1,693.86, with investors swapping CNY184 billion worth of shares. The Shanghai Composite Index closed down nearly 1.1 percent at 3,026.95 with turnover of CNY451 billion, while the Shenzhen Component Index slid 2.53 percent to 9,592.06, as CNY600 billion traded hands.

The day was the second major retreat for the markets since last Friday.

Real estate companies led gains, managing to buck the market and close almost 2 percent higher on average. Telecoms and software firms led losers alongside swine farmers, who all hit the 10 percent limit down.

Editor: James Boynton