Asian markets ended mostly down on Friday as hotter than expected US inflation data dented hopes of an early cut in interest rates. Data showed that the US consumer price index accelerated to 3.4% year-on-year in December from 3.1% the previous month, while the core inflation rate slowed to 3.9% from 4%. Chinese and Hong Kong shares declined after data showed that China's exports grew slightly for a second consecutive month in December, even as deflationary pressures continued. However, Japanese shares gained amid waning bets on an early exit from the Bank of Japan's stimulus.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 2,881.98 | -4.67 | -0.16 |
| Hang Seng | 16,244.58 | -57.46 | -0.35 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,241.14 | 21.18 | 0.29 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,487.34 | 4.34 | 0.29 |
| Nikkei 225 | 35,577.11 | 527.25 | 1.48 |
| Straits Times | 3,191.72 | -9.69 | -0.30 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,525.05 | -15.22 | -0.60 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 17,512.83 | -32.49 | -0.19 |
