Shanghai stocks drop on weaker sentiment

China's main stock index ended 0.78 percent lower yesterday, reversing gains earlier in the session as financial and property shares retreated, with market sentiment volatile as China confronts an economic slowdown.

The Shanghai Composite Index ended at 1958.529 points, sliding into negative territory during the afternoon after stalling just below the psychologically key milestone of 2000 points.

Turnover in Shanghai A shares rose to 38.6 billion yuan from Monday's 32.0 billion yuan.