Voters set to decide the nation's status in currency bloc

The euro weakened to an almost nine-year low and Asian stocks fell amid concern Greece will exit the European currency union. Oil slumped to its lowest level since 2009, while silver and Chinese shares climbed.

Greece's political parties have embarked on a campaign for elections this month that may determine the fate of the country's membership in the euro currency area, with Der Spiegel magazine reporting German Chancellor Angela Merkel is ready to accept a Greek exit.