The Asian markets have edged lower in opening trades. The Hang Seng is quoting at 19,721, weaker by 44 points or 0.2% and the Nikkei is at 9,686, down 82 points or 0.8%.
Taiwan Weighted is at 7,319, weaker by 54 points or 0.7%, Seoul Composite is at 1,630, lower by 10 points or 0.6% and Straits Times is at 2,739, down 13 points or 0.4%.
Shanghai Composite is placed at 2,583, down eight points or 0.3%.