Asian markets open flat

The Asian markets are trading virtually unchanged, probably attempting to absorb the previous day's gains.

The Hang Seng is quoting at 22,081, higher by 82 points or 0.3% and the Nikkei is  at 10,257, up 18.9 or 0.1%.

The other major markets are trading with a slightly negative bias. The Shanghai Composite is placed at 2,968, marginally lower at 10 points or 0.3%, Straits Times is at 2,708, weaker by 3.2 or 0.1% and the  Seoul Composite is quoting at 1,652, down 6.2 points or 0.3%.