51.  Weakness in regional currencies could hurt Japanese exports by making them more expensive relative to their neighbors.

52.  While traders in air-conditioned offices bemoaned plunging regional currencies and stock prices, outdoor workers complained about the soaring PSI Index.

53.  With the yen likely to rise, regional currencies are expected to be little changed against the dollar, Chia added.

54.  With everyone running for the exits, the Thai baht, the Indonesian rupiah and other regional currencies were trampled.

55.  Yet it also warned that the regional currency crisis will begin to show.

56.  Philippine stocks and the peso fell further Monday, weighed down by weaker regional currencies and jitters over upcoming elections, dealers said.

57.  Other regional currencies also firmed along with the rupiah, except the Thai baht which closed firmer offshore but lower onshore.

58.  Plunging regional currencies and a spate of unfavourable publicity about Hong Kong, including the bird flu scare, have deterred travellers from visiting the former British colony.

59.  Other regional currencies also recovered as did the stock markets.

60.  Overall, most Asian stock markets are in a bear phase with the exception of India, which is shielded from the regional currency crisis, Wood said.