Asian Markets: Stocks slump across the region

Asian stock markets closed lower Monday with Japanese shares among the worst performers. The Nikkei Index sank below 10,000 in intraday trading for the first time since July 24. The index then regained some ground, finishing the day at 10,010 -- down 2.5 percent.

Since returning from last week's three-day holiday, Japanese investors have been greeted with nothing but bad news. Today Japan's blue-chip companies retreated with Honda Motor Co. (HNDAF) sliding 5 percent, and Toyota Motor Corp. (TOYOF) dropping 3.8 percent. Shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MSLOF) also lost 5.4 percent.

Nomura Holdings Inc. (NRSCF), which suffered a colossal 16 percent fall on Friday, continued its downward trajectory losing 5.8 percent today. The company announced a massive 5.7 billion share sale last week, giving investors reason to worry.