Stocks in mainland China surged as they returned to trade on Friday from holidays.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dropped 27.38 points, or 0.1%, to 23,619.69.
The Japanese yen traded at 105.88 per U.S. dollar, having weakened this week from levels below 105.6 against the greenback.
The Hang Seng Index retreated 74.22 points, or 0.3%, to 24.119.13.
Over in Hong Kong, shares of biopharmaceutical startup Everest Medicines jumped more than 30% from their issue price during their market debut in the city.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7184, in a week that has seen it bouncing from levels below $0.712.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 returned from holiday to gain 93.74 points, or 2%, to 4,681.14.
The moves came as a private survey showed services sector activity in China expanding in September. The Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers’ Index for September came in at 54.8. PMI readings above 50 signify expansion, while those below that level indicate contraction.
Data out of China has been watched for clues on the state of the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
In other markets
Markets in Taiwan and Korea were shuttered for holiday.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index lost 10.15 points, or 0.4%, to 2,532.96.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 44.62 points, or 0.4%, to 12,280.54.
In Australia, the ASX 200 eked up 0.13 points to 6,102.17.
