Asian markets fell as Japan’s gross domestic product slumped 12.7% in Q4, the most since 1974. The US markets are closed today for President’s Day. On Friday, US stocks were lower even as the House of Representatives approved the US$787 bn economic stimulus plan. President Obama is expected to sign the debated bill into law today. The Dow Jones fell 82 points, or about 1% to 7850.41, S & P index lost 8 points to 826.84,while Nasdaq composite lost 7 points, or about 0.5% to 1534.36.