Mainland stocks join worldwide declines

Profit-taking and worries about a slowing economy caused Chinese mainland shares to fall sharply after advancing for four trading days as stocks fell across Asian markets.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index sank 6.31 percent, or 128.5 points, to close at 1902. The smaller Shenzhen Component Index lost 7.22 percent to 6293.

China's central bank said in a report yesterday the risks of an economic downturn in the country are growing.