Asian markets end in the red

The Hang Seng has dropped 348 points to 22,423 and the Nikkei has declined 96 points to 9,401.

The Seoul Composite has slipped 12 points to 1,606 and the Straits Times has weakened 17 points to 2,779. Shanghai Composite has shed 115 points at Rs 3,223.

Taiwan Weighted was the only exception, closing up 27 points at 7,715.
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(Updated at 1133 am)

Asian markets have extended losses and the $ trimmed its fall.

The Hang Seng has dropped 48 points 22,723. The Nikkei has declined 81 points (1%) to 9,416.

The Seoul Composite has slipped 15 points (1%) to 1,604. The Shanghai Composite and the Straits Times are flat.

However, the Taiwan Weighted has managed to hold on to gains and is now up 27 points at 7,715.
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(Updated at 0816 hrs)

Asian markets are mixed this morning. The Hang Seng has dropped seven points to 22,764. The Nikkei is down 50 points to 9,447. Japan's stock market dropped as the Yen strenghtened.

The Seoul Composite has declined 13 points to 1,606.

However, the Taiwan Weighted has added 33 points to 7,720. The Shanghai Composite has moved up 17 points to 3,356.