It was a mixed picture for markets in Asia on Friday, on the back of fresh uncertainties emerging from the U.K. overnight after multiple important ministers resigned from Prime Minister Theresa May's government.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dumped 123.28 points, or 0.6%, to end the week at 21,680.34. Shares of game maker Nintendo fell 9.1%.
The Japanese yen, widely viewed as a safe-haven currency, was at 113.28 against the U.S. dollar after seeing highs around the 113.1 handle in the previous session
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index added 80.19 points, or 0.3%, to 26,183.53.
Shares of semiconductor companies in Japan took a hit on the back of yesterday's plunge in Nvidia's stock stateside after it missed both revenue and guidance. Tokyo Electron, which manufactures semiconductor equipment, was down 4.3% while manufacturer Advantest fell 7.6%
The U.K. was thrust into political turmoil on Thursday following a spate of resignations from Prime Minister Theresa May's government, including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who said he couldn't accept the deal after the promises the ruling Conservative Party made to the country in an election manifesto last year.
The Australian dollar traded at $0.7277 U.S. after touching an earlier high of $0.7288.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 gained 15.3 points, or 0.5%, to 3,257.67
The positive sentiment for stocks stateside appeared to be driven by a report that the U.S. and China have doubled down on efforts to reach an agreement on trade ahead of the Group of 20 meeting later this month.
One person familiar with the situation told the Financial Times that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has already informed some industry executives the next wave of tariffs was already on hold.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex index shed 29.37 points, or 0.3%, to 9,797.09
In Korea, the Kospi index gained 4.34 points, or 0.2%, at 2,092.40
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index strengthened 29.07 points, or 1%, to 3,083.60
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 lost 16.19 points, or 0.2%, to 8,809.70
In Australia, the ASX 200 slipped 5.47 points, or 0.1%, to 5,730.55
