Asian markets open lower

The Asian markets have opened on the lower side. The Hang Seng is quoting at 19,856, weaker by 227 points or 1.1% and the Nikkei is at 9,255, lower by 82 points or 0.8%.

Seoul Composite is quoting at 1,678, weaker by six points or 0.3%, Taiwan Weighted is at 7,540, lower by eight points or 0.1% and Shanghai Composite is at 2,401, down seven points or 0.3%.

Straits Times is quoting flat, with a positive bias, at 2,870, higher by two points or 0.1%.