Asian markets end mostly in red on Friday

The Asian markets ended in red on Friday after the European Central Bank disappointed investors who were looking for some kind of announcement on what future steps it may take to boost Europe's sluggish economy. Decline in oil prices after sharp overnight gains, mixed inflation data out of China and media reports that North Korea has conducted a fifth nuclear test also kept investors nervous. Reports showed that Consumer prices in China rose just 1.3 percent in August from a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said. That was beneath expectations for 1.7 percent and down from 1.8 percent in July. The producer price index eased an annual 0.8 percent versus expectations for a fall of 0.9 percent after sliding 1.7 percent in the previous month. China stocks ended lower after August inflation data provided few if any incentives for authorities to ease monetary policy, and that kept many investors on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Japanese shares ended a choppy session flat, as investors continued to look for clues to when US interest rate will be increased and whether the Bank of Japan will add to its aggressive monetary stimulus at the September 20-21 rate review.