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Asian share markets closed sharply lower on Monday with investor sentiment sharply dented by a worse-than-expected contraction in the U.S. economy. In Hong Kong, Hang Seng Index fell 3.86 per cent, dragged by the slump in U.S. stocks to new bear market lows Friday and concerns over HSBC. Japan's Nikkei-225 was down 3.8 per cent, while South Korean stocks closed 4.16 per cent lower. But Shanghai shares bucked the regional trend, closing up 0.51 per cent, as government stimulus plans boosted real estate and cement stocks.

Asian markets ended sharply lower Friday, weighed down by the weakness in the US and European markets. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average fell 1.9% as investors were still not comfortable with the recent falls of Japanese yen, but the slumping Korean won hurt shares in Seoul with the Kospi plummeted 3.7%. Shanghai and Hong Kong stocks gained about 1.5%. Today the Chinese shares opened slightly weaker while the Hong Kong shares were up 1.8 percent.

Asian markets mostly ended higher Thursday. Japan's Nikkei 225 ended up 0.3%, as exporters cheered for a recent weakness in the yen. Shanghai Composite rose 0.8% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was also slightly higher in a choppy trade session. But South Korea stocks ended down the fourth day this week. The sustainability of the rising streak could be a question amid the negative outlook in global markets. Today Seoul shares opened 3 per cent lower, dragged by the financial sector.

Asian markets sharply fell on Tuesday with the pessimistic sentiment that the global economic downturn could be lasting longer than expected. Tokyo market ended 1.4% lower, while Shanghai Composite dropped 2.9%, giving up some recent gains. South Korea stocks took a massive 4.1% loss, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slipped 3.8%.

Asian shares are set to gain on Monday after a rally on Wall Street last Friday. Japan's Nikkei average is also expected to be buoyed by exporters on a weaker yen. Asian shares rallied across the region Friday with shipping stocks leading for another day and miners rising on hopes that demand for commodities might be picking up. The Shanghai Composite Index rallied 4%, delivering its best performance of the week while China-related shares also lifted the market in Hong Kong.

Asian markets are likely to post solid gains on Thursday, as U.S. stocks rallied on optimism over a fresh rescue package to help banks to remove toxic assets. The Nikkei stock average rose 1.2 percent on Thursday, buoyed by exporters such as Advantest Corp on a softer yen and after optimism about the U.S. government's rescue plan boosted Wall Street.