The Asian markets have started on a weak note. The Hang Seng is quoting at 21,282, weaker by 304 points or 1.4% and the Nikkei is at 11,118, lower by 46 points or 0.4%.
Straits Times is quoting at 2,986, weaker by 16 points or 0.5%, Seoul Composite is at 1,743, lower by eight points or 0.4% and Taiwan Weighted is at 8,133, down 24 points or 0.3%.