Asian markets in negative territory; Hang Seng down 242pts

Asian markets are in negative territory this morning despite positive cues from the US markets.

The Hang Seng has plunged 242 points to 18,692. The Nikkei is down 23 points at 11,983.

The Taiwan Weighted index has tumbled 124 points to 5,937. The Straits Times index has shed 29 points at 2,415, and the Seoul Composite index has dropped 21 points to 1,480.

The Shanghai Composite index has slipped 21 points to 2,276.