Which Chinese stock index became the main gauge of the 2015 China stock-market crash?

The Shanghai Composite became the main gauge of the 2015 China stock-market crash.

The index had surged during the first half of 2015 as large numbers of Chinese individuals entered the market, often using borrowed money. It reached a closing peak of 5,166.35 on June 12, 2015. The subsequent sell-off erased roughly 30% by late August, despite official intervention and market-support measures.

The Shanghai Composite tracks all A-shares and B-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The Shenzhen market also suffered major losses, but its indexes represent a different exchange and set of companies. This distinction is a frequent source of confusion when discussing China’s 2015 turbulence.

The episode exposed the risks of leverage, speculative momentum, and forced selling. Chinese authorities responded with measures including trading restrictions, investigations, and efforts to stabilize prices.