Brokerages taking stock after profits drop sharply

Third-quarter plunge signals continuing investor concern

BEIJING - A sharp decline in third-quarter profits, due to sluggish markets, has forced brokers to take stock as a third of listed securities companies reported losses for the year.

The country's 17 listed securities companies have been facing difficult times amid shrinking trade volume in both the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets. Investors are deeply concerned over protracted European debt woes and uncertainties surrounding domestic monetary policy.