Debt concerns stalk Asian markets

Investors are concerned that fiscal problems in Portugal, Spain and in particular Greece could have a knock-on effect to other nations and destabilize the global economic recovery.

“European officials have been saying they're comfortable that Greece, in particular, will be able to get themselves back on track over a period of time, but the market is just not going to cop that,” RBS head of Sydney sales Justin Gallagher said, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Despite most major European markets all ending in the black Monday, dealers were unimpressed by European leaders' comments at Group of Seven talks in Canada that Greece would be able to manage its 294 billion euro (US$412 billion) public debt.

“While European policy makers are adamant the situation is under control, market participants are still very skeptical,” noted NAB Capital strategist John Kyriakopoulos.

The euro firmed to 1.3706 dollars in Tokyo afternoon trading from 1.3648 in New York late Monday, and to 122.50 yen from 121.86. The dollar rose to 89.34 yen from 89.29.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark Nikkei-225 index closed 0.19 percent, or 18.92 points off at 9,932.90, its lowest since the beginning of December.

Troubled automaker Toyota rose 2.89 percent to 3,375 yen on bargain hunting after suffering sharp losses over safety problems and despite a report that it would suspend domestic production of its SAI and Lexus HS250h hybrids at the end of the week.

Later Tuesday it announced the recall of more than 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles due to faulty brakes.

Sydney's main index fell 0.36 percent, or 16.3 points, to 4,505.1.

Markets followed the lead of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which slumped 1.04 percent, or 103.84 points, to end at 9,908.39 on Monday, as a late-day sell-off accelerated in the final hour. The index is at its lowest since November 4.

Fears were also sparked by a report indicating the U.S. Federal Reserve was working on its plan to unwind its massive stimulus efforts.

However, bargain hunting kept many indexes buoyed as dealers made the most of cheap stocks following three days of losses.

Shanghai ended 0.47 percent, or 13.67 points, higher at 2,948.84, while Hong Kong added 1.22 percent, or 239.39 points, to finish at 19,790.28.

In other markets:

— Singapore added 1.91 percent, or 51.40 points, to 2,745.02.

— Manila shed 1.72 percent, or 48.99 points, to close at 2,797.61.

— Wellington finished 0.55 percent, or 17.00 points, lower at 3,076.45.

— Jakarta gained 0.56 percent or 13.91 points to 2,489.48.

— Kuala Lumpur shed 0.11 percent, or 1.36 points, to 1,233.86.

— Bangkok closed 0.32 percent, or 2.20 points, lower at 685.89.

— Mumbai closed up 0.67 percent as the 30-share Sensex added 106.57 points to 16,042.18, buoyed by construction and software stocks.

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