Chinese equities dropped to an eight-month low Thursday, led by energy and banking shares.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 4.11 percent to close at 2,739.70 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index fell 5.28 percent to 10,422.56 points.

Total turnover expanded to 204.18 billion yuan (US$29.9 billion) from 194.45 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Losers outnumbered gainers by 824 to 62 in Shanghai and 839 to 78 in Shenzhen.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2010)