Which index was the main benchmark at the center of China's 2015–2016 stock-market crash?

The Shanghai Composite Index was the main benchmark at the center of China’s 2015–2016 stock-market crash.

Chinese share prices rose rapidly in the first half of 2015, supported by abundant margin lending and strong participation by individual investors. The Shanghai Composite reached 5,178.19 on June 12, 2015, before a sharp sell-off began.

The index fell by more than 30 percent over the following weeks. Authorities responded with trading suspensions, restrictions on some share sales, investigations into short selling, and other measures intended to restore confidence. A second major wave of selling occurred in early 2016.

The Shanghai Composite tracks many stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, including both large state-linked companies and other firms. It is different from the Shenzhen Component Index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, which represent separate markets.