Asian Market Update

Asian stock markets fell across the board on Thursday largely on the back of declines in the US triggered by concerns over a strengthening dollar and falling oil prices.

The Federal Reserve, meanwhile, failed to buoy markets when it repeated its pledge to remain "patient" regarding the US's first interest rate increase since 2006, signalling a June move remains in play.

Tokyo shares dropped 0.54 per cent, Hong Kong fell 0.60 per cent, and Shanghai lost 1.00 per cent. Seoul declined 0.31 per cent, but Sydney was largely flat.