Chinese equities continued downward trend to end lower at midday Thursday after six days of losses.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slid 0.06 percent to 2396.82points, after once rebounding above the 2400-point mark in the morning trading session.

The Shenzhen Component Index retreated 0.16 percent to close at 9,372.27.

The Shanghai Composite Index has slumped 26.28 percent since the start of 2010, making China's equity market the world's worst performing one this year.