Stock declines cloud MSCI debut

The much-touted inclusion of China's A shares on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index started on a dismal note on Friday, with more than 200 of the newly included companies witnessing price declines on their trading debut.

Experts said the prospects of a future influx of foreign funds failed to excite investors on Friday as the MSCI inclusion has a limited short-term impact on A shares.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index declined by 0.66 percent to 3075.14 points. The Shenzhen Component Index decreased by 1.23 percent, while the ChiNext startup index fell 1.96 percent.