On equity markets, the Nikkei is down 2.7%, the Hang Seng is -1.3%, Shanghai is -1.4% and the Kospi is -0.65%. Gold is up 0.9% on the session at $936/oz and crude oil is up 0.8% at $44/bbl. Regional currencies are mainly unchanged compared to yesterday, weakening early in session before regaining lost ground later on.