To Chinese investors' disappointment, the stock market remained listless in the first half of this year, offering no hint that major indices may begin to end the bearish cycle soon.
Experts say this reflects urgent need to reform the capital market to give full play to its critical role in allocating resources and accelerate the country's economic upgrading.
The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks larger listed companies, dropped more than 3 percent in the first six months, defying the steady upward trend of the country's economy.