Hong Kong and regional markets opened lower on local and war concerns.

The Hang Seng Index opened down 97 points, or 0.39 percent, at 25,230.

Losses accelerated to see the benchmark down 473 points, or 1.87 percent, at 24,854 at one point in mid-morning trade on Hong Kong index futures settlement day.

The China enterprises index was 24 points, or 0.29 percent, lower at 8,438 while the tech index was at 4,894.

Up north, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened down 13 points, or 0.33 percent, at 4,080.

The Shenzhen Component Index opened 45 points, or 0.29 percent, lower at 15,691 while the ChiNext Index was down 0.09 percent at 4,042.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei opened down 197 points, or 0.3 percent, down at 64,770 before gaining ground to be up 61 points, or 0.09 percent, at 65,061 at one point before midday as Japanese shares struggle for direction on concerns about the Middle East crisis and valuations in the technology sector.

In Seoul, the Kospi opened almost 63 points, or 0.77 percent, down at 8,165 and was 88 points, or 1.07 percent, down at 8,140 at one stage before noon as the central bank held interest rates steady in line with market expectations and investors focused on the governor's press conference for clues on the future policy path. (Reuters & Xinhua)




Edited by Azam Khan