Asian markets subdued in early trades

Asian markets have dropped in early trades. The Hang Seng has slipped 309 points (1.4%) to 20,700. The Nikkei is up 11 points at 10,826. The Japanese market edged up as exporters were buoyed by a weaker Yen.

The Shanghai Composite has shed 33 points (1%) at 3,024.

The Taiwan Weighted has dropped 42 points to 7,775. The Straits Times is down six points at 2,881.

The Seoul Composite is flat at 1,684.