Asian stocks: In the Asian session, the Nikkei fell 484.68 points (5.56%) to 8,235.87. The Australian S&P/Asx lost 87.60 points (2.43%) to 3,510.40.
Crude oil actually advanced yesterday, for the first time in the last period. Crude oil for January delivery fell $1.20 to $45.85.
Gold shed some of the gains posted one day earlier. Bullion for immediate delivery fell $10.90 to $809.00.