Asian markets fall as fears deepen over China slowdown

Wall Street losses drag down Tokyo and Shanghai indexes with Asia-Pacific markets at lowest level since June 2012

Deepening concern over the health of the Chinese economy has again struck Asian markets, with shares in the region plummeting to their lowest level for three-and-a-half years, after weak Chinese data prompted sharp losses on Wall Street.

The Nikkei 225 ended Tuesday down 714.27 points, or 4.05%, from Monday at 16,930.84 - its lowest level for about eight months.