Asian markets settled down on Friday amid concerns over slowing global economic growth. Market sentiments weakened further tracking overnight fall in US stocks as initial jobless claims fell to their lowest level since February. Lingering worries over tighter Federal Reserve policy also pressuring market sentiments. Japanese shares declined after Japanese economy grew less than earlier estimated in the last quarter. Data showed Japan GDP grew by an annualized 4.8% in the April-June quarter, below the earlier estimate of 6% growth. Chinese shares fell marginally due to escalating Sino-US tensions over Beijing’s plans to broaden iPhone ban to state firms and agencies. Meanwhile, Hong Kong market was shut due to a tropical storm.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,116.72 | -5.63 | -0.18 |
| Hang Seng | -- | -- | -- |
| Jakarta Composite | 6,924.78 | -30.03 | -0.43 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,454.95 | -5.12 | -0.35 |
| Nikkei 225 | 32,606.84 | -384.24 | -1.18 |
| Straits Times | 3,207.75 | -18.84 | -0.59 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,547.68 | -0.58 | -0.02 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 16,576.02 | -43.12 | -0.26 |
