World markets are shaking in the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake last Friday. Oil prices have tumbled, stock markets have fallen, gold has gained and the yen has retreated from record highs.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei index fell 6.18 percent Monday, its sharpest one-day loss since the 2008 market crash, further sparking fears about the deadly earthquake and ensuing nuclear power crisis.

Shanghai's stock index rose yesterday for the first time in three days as sentiment improved after the Japanese central bank poured 15 trillion yen (US$146 billion) into the market. US stocks fell with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.43 percent and Nasdaq down 0.54 percent.

Experts say there are opportunities for Chinese firms in the steel, telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors, while exporters such as textile and agriculture companies will face a drop in demand.

Crude oil prices dropped Monday on anticipation of weaker demand from Japan, the world's third largest economy and a major oil consumer, though continuing unrest in the Arab world helped cushion its fall.

Gold went up on Monday, recovering some of last week's losses, as investors flocked to safer assets. Gold for April delivery gained $3.10 to $1,424.90 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.

China's business press carried the story above on Tuesday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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