Asian markets continue to slide; Nikkei drops 394pts

Asian markets are down significantly following negative cues from the US markets over the weekend. The US indices dropped on Friday despite the passage of $700 billion bailout package.

The Hang Seng has slumped 457 points to 17,225. The Nikkei has plunged 394 points to 10,544.

The Taiwan Weighted index has crashed 198 points to 5,544. The Straits Times index has dropped 56 points to 2,241, and the Seoul Composite index has shed 59 points at 1,361.

The Shanghai Composite index has slipped 70 points to 2,224.