Asian markets reverse after recent gains as bank fears linger

HONG KONG (AFP): Asian markets dipped Friday (March 23) after a broadly healthy week, as lingering concerns about the banking sector played against hopes central banks could be nearing the end of their interest rate hiking cycle.

Pledges by authorities to provide support to troubled lenders and depositors provided stability for investors worried that the collapse of two US banks and the takeover of Credit Suisse could usher in a new financial crisis.