Asian markets end in red

Asian markets have ended in red today following last week's US jobs data and losses in the Indian markets post the Union Budget.

The Hang Seng slumped 224 points (1.2%) to 17,979. The Nikkei plunged 135 points (1.5%) to 9,681.

The Straits Times dropped 28 points (1.3%) to 2,272. The Taiwan Weighted slipped 15 points to 6,650.

However, the Shanghai Composite added 36 points (1%) to 3,125. The Seoul Composite was flat at 1,429 - up nine points.
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(Updated at 1131 hrs)

The Nikkei has declined 141 points (1.5%)  to 9,674.

The Hang Seng is flat at 18,221.

The Sanghai Composite and the Seoul Composite are marginally up 0.5% to 3,105 and 1,425, respectively.

The Straights Times sheds 0.5% to 2,288 and the Taiwan Weighted is marginally down to 6,655.
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(Updated at 0831 hrs)

Asian markets are in the red this morning.

Japan's Nikkei shed after shipping stocks declined on the back of a decreasing demand for goods. The Nikkei has slipped 155 points (1.5%) to 9,661. The Hang Seng has slumped 292 points (1.5%) to 17,911.

The Taiwan Weighted has dropped 49 points to 6,617. The Straits Times is down 24 points (1%) at 2,275.

The Shanghai Composite and the Seoul Composite are flat at 3,093 and 1,420, respectively.