China's stocks fell for a fifth trading day on Monday as market sentiment remained weak. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index closed down 0.73 percent, or 18.5 points, to 2,515.86.
The Shenzhen Component Index fell 1.67 percent, or 188.89 points, to finish at 11,112.64.
Combined turnover dropped sharply to 127.05 billion yuan (19.85 billion U.S. dollars) from 142.24 billion yuan the previous trading day.
Losers outnumbered gainers 582 to 309 in Shanghai and 714 to 570 in Shenzhen.
The lingering fear of further domestic tightenings and pessimism over the U.S. and European economic outlook has kept investors cautious on trading, said analysts.
Cement makers led the decline by falling 1.93 percent. Tangshang Jidong Cement Co. slumped 5.12 percent to 19.26 yuan, while Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited tumbled 5.02 percent to 21.75 yuan.
Non-ferrous metal stocks contributed to the weak market sentiment, with Ningbo Yunsheng Co. down 6.24 percent to 18.03 yuan. Guangdong Jingyi Metal Co. dipped 5.37 percent to 10.92 yuan.
Shares related to the environmental protection industry bucked the market trend and were buoyed Monday, boosted by reports that the government would soon issue guidelines to promote the environmental protection industry.
Jiangsu Welle Environmental Co. jumped 4.72 percent to 57.91 yuan, while Tianjin Capital Environmental Protection Group Company Limited rose 3.99 percent to 5.74 yuan.
Gold producers also rallied, with Shandong Humon Smelting Co. up 2.39 percent to 54.48 yuan.
