Japan shares hit new low

Share prices in Japan have lost almost four percent of their value to close the day's trading at the lowest level for almost two years.

It was the sixth session in a row that the Nikkei index fell.

Prices dropped especially in the technology sector, after an earlier fall on New York markets.

Correspondents say the falling share prices come amid worries of a downturn in the United States' economy.

A number of companies have warned about lower than expected profits, and on Wednesday the American central bank, the Federal Reserve, expressed concern about an economic slowdown. On the currency markets, both the dollar and the yen have continued to lose ground to the euro.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service