Markets in the Far East were decidedly mixed to end the week and the month, with equities in Japan taking a particular bruising.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 lost 1,369.36 points, or 2.1%, to 63,290.11
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index shed 335.77 points, or 1.5%, to 23,294.42.
In other markets;
In Shanghai, the CSI dipped 56.34 points, or 1.4%, to 3,985.50
In Singapore, the Straits Times index inched back 19.29 points, or 0.4%, to 5,376.74.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index stumbled 1.156.50 points, or 3.5%, to 45,211.83.
In Korea, the Kospi index faded 206.92 points, or 3.5%, to 5,937.66.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 grabbed 86.83 points, or 0.6%, to 13,797
In Australia, the ASX 200 surged 16.38 points, or 0.2%, to 8,908.14