BEIJING -- The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, opened down 4.22 points, or 0.50 percent at 846.64 points on Thursday.

The index, together with the Shenzhen Component Index and the Shenzhen SME Board Index, makes up the three core indices reflecting the performance of China's stocks listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

The ChiNext Board, which started trading on October 30, 2009, mainly lists hi-tech companies and those with high growth potential.