Asian equity markets closed mostly lower on Friday as the ongoing political turmoil in Washington put President Donald Trump's stimulus and tax plans in jeopardy and a deadly attack in Spain that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 100 others left the world shocked. Investors also adopted a cautious stance ahead of controversial joint military exercises of South Korea and the US, scheduled to start next week. Japanese stocks fell to 3-1/2-month lows, hit by losses on Wall Street and a weaker dollar as doubts grow over whether President Donald Trump will be able to push through policies to boost US economic growth. Meanwhile, Chinese shares closed on a steady note amid optimism over earnings and improving growth.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,268.72 | 0.29 | 0.01 |
Hang Seng | 27,047.57 | -296.65 | -1.08 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,893.84 | 1.89 | 0.03 |
KLSE Composite | 1,776.22 | -0.09 | -0.01 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,470.41 | -232.22 | -1.18 |
Straits Times | 3,251.99 | -16.89 | -0.52 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,358.37 | -3.30 | -0.14 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,321.33 | -48.04 | -0.46 |