Asian markets decline

Asian markets on Tuesday (May 20, 2008) declined led by financial companies after Macquarie Group posted earnings below estimates.

Japan`s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group fell ahead of its full-year results today.

Japan`s index Nikkei 225 fell 45.49 points, or 0.32%, to trade at 14,224.12.

Hong Kong`s index Hang Seng declined 45.67 points, or 0.18%, to trade at 25,696.56.

China`s Shanghai Composite gained 10.66 points, or 0.30%, to trade at 3,615.42.

Taiwan`s Taiex index retreated 55.74 points, or 0.60%, to trade at 9,239.46.

South Korea`s KOSPI pared 12.45 points, or 0.66%, to trade at 1,872.92.

Singapore`s Straits Times dipped 5.06 points or 0.16%, to trade at 3,236.43. (8.00 a.m. IST)