asian markets

Asian markets fell Thursday after reports emerged of an impasse among European leaders who are trying to resolve the continent's debt crisis.

Asian markets were mostly lower Thursday after Portugal became the latest European country to plead for a bailout, but Japan enjoyed a mild rally as it appeared to gain the upper hand in the struggle to contain a toxic radiation leak at a nuclear power plant.

Japan's Nikkei stock index nose-dived nearly 11 percent Tuesday as the earthquake-shattered country faced an unfolding nuclear crisis after a radiation leak was detected at a crippled power plant and residents were warned to stay indoors.

Other Asian markets also tumbled.

The Tokyo stock market plunged Monday, its first business day after an earthquake and tsunami of epic proportions laid waste to cities along Japan's northeast coast, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage.

Other Asian markets were mostly down.

Most Asian stock markets rose in early trading Monday after a strong finish Friday on Wall Street and easing worries about Greece's financial health.

Ford Motor Co. launched its first made-for-India compact car Tuesday, as the U.S. automaker continues its push into fast-growing Asian markets.

Volkswagen AG will buy a 20 percent stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. for 222.5 billion yen ($2.5 billion), forming one of the world's biggest auto alliances and giving the two carmakers a boost in fast-growing Asian markets.

European stock markets fell modestly Friday and Wall Street headed for a lower opening after strong gains the day before on U.S. data revealing the world's largest economy had broken out of a yearlong slump.

Asian markets were mostly lower Friday after setting new highs for the year, with Tokyo shares down nearly 1 percent amid news a major Japanese consumer finance firm was unable to pay its debts.

European shares fell.

European and Asian markets mostly fell Friday as a lack of new economic data left investors to book profits on the week's strong rally, which had brought many indexes to new highs for the year on hopes that the U.S. is emerging from recession.