BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's stocks opened lower on Thursday following sharp losses on the U.S. markets.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.49 percent to open at 2,365.91, while the Shenzhen Component Index opened 0.56 percent lower at 10,049.37.

The U.S. stocks ended the day sharply lower as a still weak economic outlook weighed on investors.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave up 72.43 points, or 0.63 percent to finish at 11,504.62.