Asian stock markets slump over fears for auto industry

US bail out plan for auto industry is rejected, bankruptcy is feared, Hong Kong is down to almost -7%; Shanghai at -3; Tokyo at – 6.6.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The most important Asian markets, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo are down by almost 7%.  Analysts confirm that it is the knock-on effect of the US Senates rejection yesterday of a bail-out plan for the struggling American auto industry, which had set out an aid package of 14 billion dollars.

By midday the Hong Kong index was down 6.9%.   Over the past few days the Hang Seng had risen 13%, after Beijing’s decision to fight the slowing economy.

Shanghai was also hit down 3%.  All titles linked to supplies for the US car industry were down between 5-6%.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei was already at minus 1%. When news arrived of the US rejection, stocks slumped by 6.6%.  Toyota, Nissan and other car industry stocks continued to plummet.

Analysts fear the risk of bankruptcy for the “Big 3” car manufacturers in America (Ford, General Motors, Chrysler).

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