Japan's Nikkei share average fell for a fourth day on Friday on concerns that a stronger yen may squeeze exporters' earnings, while investors awaited U.S. jobs data for clues on the Federal Reserve's policy outlook.
The Nikkei dropped 1.3 percent to 16,819.59 points, the lowest closing level since Jan. 26. For the week, the benchmark index declined 4 percent.
China stocks dipped on Friday on market views that government moves to raise investment ceilings for overseas investors won't lead to an immediate surge in foreign buying of Chinese equities.
The CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen fell 0.7 percent, to 2,963.79, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.6 percent, to 2,763.49 points. For the week, SSEC was up 0.9 percent while CSI300 gained 0.6 percent.
Hong Kong stocks rose slightly on Friday, led by resource shares HSCIE, as the market drew some strength from a firm overnight performance in U.S. equities.
The Hang Seng Index rose 0.6 percent, to 19,288.17, while the China Enterprises Index gained 1.0 percent, to 8,054.87 points. For the week, the Hang Seng was down 2 percent.
Trading was thin on Friday as many traders have already left for the Lunar New Year holiday. Mainland markets will be closed all of next week.
Shanghai stock exchange closes entire next week due Chinese New Year Holiday. Meanwhile Hong Kong Stock Exchange closes 3 days between 8 - 10 February.
Reference: Reuters
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