Swiss mining and commodities giant Glencore on Wednesday reported a first-half loss of $676 million (620 million euros) on the back of falling prices in the metals market and asset depreciation.

In the first half of 2014, Glencore recorded profits of $1.7 billion.

Glencore shares have fallen by 40 percent this year, reflecting investor mood about mining firms amid fears slower economic growth in China will hit demand.