This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30692019

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nikkei leads Asian markets down on oil price concerns Nikkei leads Asian markets down on oil price concerns
(about 2 hours later)
Asian markets fell on Tuesday as investors worried about falling oil prices and concerns in Europe widened over Greece's economic outlook.Asian markets fell on Tuesday as investors worried about falling oil prices and concerns in Europe widened over Greece's economic outlook.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 was down 2.5% at 16976.95 points.In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 was down 2.5% at 16976.95 points.
The US oil price fell below the symbolic threshold of $50 a barrel for the first time since April 2009, while Brent crude fell as low as $53.The US oil price fell below the symbolic threshold of $50 a barrel for the first time since April 2009, while Brent crude fell as low as $53.
Concerns over Greece's future also weighed on the euro, which slid to a nine-year low against the dollar.Concerns over Greece's future also weighed on the euro, which slid to a nine-year low against the dollar.
Elsewhere in AsiaElsewhere in Asia
Despite a private survey showing China's services sector grew at its fastest pace in three months in December, most shares in Greater China were lower on Tuesday, after climbing to their highest levels in five years on Monday. Despite a private survey showing China's services sector grew at its fastest pace in three months in December, most shares in Mainland China were lower on Tuesday, after climbing to their highest levels in five years on Monday.
The Shanghai Composite was down 1.27% to 3,308.09 points. While in Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng was down 1.04% in early trade to 23,473.56 points. The Shanghai Composite was down 1.27% to 3,308.09 points.
While in Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng was down 1.04% in early trade to 23,473.56 points.
In Australia, investors also reacted to falling oil prices and Eurozone worries, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 down as much as 1.8% in mid morning trade to 5,351.10 points - one of its biggest falls in more than a month.In Australia, investors also reacted to falling oil prices and Eurozone worries, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 down as much as 1.8% in mid morning trade to 5,351.10 points - one of its biggest falls in more than a month.
Australia's latest trade numbers showed the country's deficit widening in November from October to about A$950m Australian dollars ($770m). It is the eighth trade deficit in a row.Australia's latest trade numbers showed the country's deficit widening in November from October to about A$950m Australian dollars ($770m). It is the eighth trade deficit in a row.
Analysts said investors largely ignored the numbers, though, which were smaller than expected, and due in part to falling prices for resources like iron ore.Analysts said investors largely ignored the numbers, though, which were smaller than expected, and due in part to falling prices for resources like iron ore.
Tristan K'Nell, head of trading at Quay Equities, said there were a number of issues worldwide causing uncertainty in equity markets.Tristan K'Nell, head of trading at Quay Equities, said there were a number of issues worldwide causing uncertainty in equity markets.
"Investors (are) watching closely ... US interest rates, growth slowdowns in Europe and the Asia Pacific, political uncertainty in Greece, geopolitical issues between Russia and Ukraine and also the Middle East, and the volatility and crashing prices in crude oil and iron ore," he said."Investors (are) watching closely ... US interest rates, growth slowdowns in Europe and the Asia Pacific, political uncertainty in Greece, geopolitical issues between Russia and Ukraine and also the Middle East, and the volatility and crashing prices in crude oil and iron ore," he said.
In South Korea, the benchmark Kospi was also down 1.34% to 1,890.04 points, with shares in energy firms leading the declines on oil price worries.In South Korea, the benchmark Kospi was also down 1.34% to 1,890.04 points, with shares in energy firms leading the declines on oil price worries.