A strong risk-off theme ensued from the open of financial markets in Asia, and looks set to persist throughout the day in Europe and the Americas. The yen and, to a lesser extent today, the euro have remain the chief beneficiaries in forex markets in a world where everything is seemingly being sold. Even gold has come under pressure, down over 0.5%, amid reports that investors are being forced to sell quality assets to raise cash. The Chinese stock market has remained at the epicentre of troubles.