Asian markets mixed after US shares slide

Asian shares have had a mixed day on Monday, following a sell-off on Wall Street as investors worry about how weak global growth will affect companies’ earnings.

In the US, the S and P 500 fell more than 1% on Monday, marking its worst three-day decline since November 2011.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 fell to a two-month low after being closed for a public holiday on Monday.

The benchmark fell 2.4% to 14,931.73 as a rise in the value of the yen affected shares in exporters.

The yen rose against the dollar to 107.10 after the US Federal Reserve hinted at delays in raising interest rates.

Chinese stocks were down despite stronger-than-expected September trade figures released on Monday.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.5%, while the Hang Seng index was lower 0.4%, following Wall Street's losses.

In Australia, shares recovered even though a survey showed business confidence fell in September.

The benchmark S and P - ASX 200 closed up 1% at 5,207.4 Miners BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto were up 2.6% and 4% as base metal prices rebounded.

Bucking the trend was shares in Australian online travel firm Wotif.com, which fell 7% to three-week lows after the New Zealand Commerce Commission said it had delayed its ruling on Expedia's acquisition of the company.

In South Korea, the Kospi closed up 0.1% at 1,929.25 to end a three-day losing streak.

- BBC