Asian Markets Update: Markets Tank Following Wall Street's Slide

TOKYO -- Asian stock markets skidded lower Monday, following Friday's ugly performance on Wall Street, as investors remained concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 closed down 323.9 points, or 2.2%, at 14,664.6 and the Topix index, which includes all shares listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, fell 21.3, or 1.5%, to 1395.7.

Besides the distraction of the U.S. election, Japanese investors had to contend with their own political uncertainty, as Prime Minister Mori tried to avoid a possible vote of no confidence and increasing calls for him to resign. Many in opposition and even some of Mori's own ruling party are concerned about the slow recovery and reform of the economy. ...