Stocks are in the red in Asia-Pac, Nikkei....>

STOCKS: Stocks are in the red in Asia-Pac, Nikkei 225 last down 53 points at

22,497. The index gapped higher at the open, printing highs of 22,657 before

gradually dropping. The index opened higher as the yen weakened against the

dollar, rising to session highs of 111.70 at the start of Asia. USDJPY fell as

the session progressed, hitting session lows of 111.34 which knocked the Nikkei

225 into negative territory. 10/11 sectors are in the red on the Nikkei 225, led

lower by IT and Materials. Financials are in positive territory helped by a rise

in yields and rumours of an early withdrawal of BoJ stimulus.

- In China shares are in the red, the Shanghai Comp. is down 27 points at 3,326.

The index resumes its decline after a brief bounce on Friday. 10/11 sectors are

in the red, telecommunications lead the way lower, down 4.43%. 

- In Australia the ASX 200 is broadly flat, last down 1.75 points at 5,980.90.

Shares initially recovered from a flat start as Financials recovered from a weak

start to move into positive territory. However the gains in financials failed to

solidify and Energy and Materials also dropped amid weaker oil/metals and

dragged the index lower.