Japanese stocks gave up early gains and took a u-turn that wiped out much of the previous week's four-day rally in a single afternoon after the Bank of Japan disappointed investors by holding off on expanding monetary stimulus.
The Nikkei share average shed 3.6 percent to end the day at 16,666.05, resulting in a 5.1 percent decline for the shortened trading week, with the market closed for a national holiday on Friday.
The yen soared against the dollar and the euro after the BOJ's announcement, adding to the discomfort of Japanese exporters.
Hong Kong shares ended slightly firmer on Thursday, as the U.S. Federal Reserve appeared to be in no hurry to raise interest rates, although major indexes gave up most of their gains after the Bank of Japan held off on expanding monetary stimulus.
The Hang Seng index rose 0.1 percent, to 21,388.03, while the China Enterprises Index gained 0.3 percent, to 9,060.93 points.
Reference: Reuters
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