Asian stock markets closed down sharply Monday. The drop in Asia continued a slide on international financial markets that started last week. The falling value of stock shares is linked to fears that China’s economy is slowing more than had been expected.

Monday, the leading measure of Chinese stocks was down almost 8.5 percent. Traders were watching to see what steps the Chinese government might take to help the economy.

In Japan, the Nikkei index lost 4.6 percent of its value. The Japanese stock market closed at its lowest level in six months. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 4.9 percent.

World oil prices also fell Monday. Oil prices recently dropped below $40 a barrel for the first time in several years.