Asian markets reveal a weak trend

Asian indices are trading on a subdued note as profit taking from the previous session gathered steam. The Nikkei average shaved up its earlier gains to end the morning session at 11450.85, down 36.25 points.

But optimism still lingers in the markets as investors await the earnings reports from US firms including IBM and Motorola.

The broader TOPIX fell 0.33% to 1,146.56.

Trading was weak since the US stock market was closed yesterday for the Martin Luther King Jr Day holiday.

The Hang Seng which started flat at 13,621, is now trading in the negative zone, 62.7 points below at 13559.

Among the other Asian indices, the Kospi has risen marginally by 2 points at 925, while the KLSE Composite also has barely edged up by 3 points at 932.