Asian shares fell today and the Chinese market fell to its lowest level in a year, amid market concerns about the impact of a volatile property market in China and fears of the fallout from tensions in the Middle East.

Market Conditions in China

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 1 percent to 2,954.42. Markets in Hong Kong were closed for the holiday, as were markets in Thailand.

International Investor Reactions

International investors have withdrawn their holdings from Chinese stocks due to escalating geopolitical tensions, difficult economic conditions, and the real estate crisis.

Regional Market Performance

Taiwan’s TAEX index also fell 0.9 percent, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost 0.8 percent to 31,007.12, and Seoul’s Kospi index lost 0.5 percent to 2,363.67. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index fell 1 percent to 6,837.70.

Positive Performance in India

In contrast, India’s Sensex rose less than 0.1 percent.

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