Stock markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen concluded a rollercoaster session on opposite sides of the fence Wednesday as indecision and sell-off pressures set in following recent rallies.
The key Shanghai Composite Index retreated 0.12 percent, or 2.71 points, to close at 2,302.40; while the Shenzhen Component Index finished trading at 9,405.06 after adding 0.02 percent, or 1.52 points.
Total turnover at the two exchanges eased slightly to 254 billion yuan ($41.43 billion), down from Tuesday's 257 billion yuan.
The securities and insurance sectors took an early lead just after the opening bell, giving the markets enough momentum to climb out of their opening trough. Acute losses in topical sectors squeezed both indices throughout the day though, yet the Shanghai Composite still managed to maintain its foothold above the psychologically important 2,300-point threshold.
Aviation stocks came down hard in the afternoon session. China Aerospace Times Electronics Co dropped 5.53 percent to 9.23 yuan. Hafei Aviation Industry Co shaved off 5.50 percent to 26.45 yuan.
The media and entertainment sector relinquished some of the wins scored in recent trading sessions. Huayi Brothers Media Corp dived 6.33 percent to 29.72 yuan.
Most of the day's gains ended up going to stocks in heavily weighted sectors.
Among cement shares, Anhui Conch Cement Co increased 1.47 percent to 17.89 yuan. Shaanxi Qinling Cement (Group) Co surged 5.39 percent to 6.06 yuan.
Listed property developers also secured solid victories in spite of tumbles in late trading. China Vanke Co tacked on 0.58 percent to 12.10 yuan. China Merchants Property Development Co rose 3.25 percent to 29.58 yuan.
Liquor producers and distillers carried off respectable performances as well. Kweichow Moutai Co added 2.28 percent to 199.47 yuan. Hebei Hengshui Laobaigan Liquor Co surged 8.56 percent to 32.84 yuan.
Despite Wednesday's downward correction, analysts say that the resiliency witnessed Wednesday among blue chips bodes well for mainland markets over the near-term.