Japan's market falls amid virus strain concerns

Japanese benchmark Nikkei 225 fell Monday, dropping 0.6% from Friday to 26,603 by the morning break. Pound sterling is significantly down across Asia markets on Monday, seemingly due to growing concerns about a new COVID-19 variant and tighter restrictions imposed in Britain.

Shares started the week out on a sour note in Asia as worsening coronavirus outbreaks overshadowed news that US lawmakers finally have a deal on more support for American families and businesses. Markets fell in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea on Monday but rose in Shanghai.