Equity markets in the Asia Pacific region traded lower on Friday as investors digested more economic data out of the U.S. and more hawkish commentary from the Federal Reserve.
The Nikkei 225 index parted ways with 183.31 points, or 0.7%, to 27,513.13.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index collapsed 267.86 points, or 1.3%, to 20,719.81, after the release of its 2022 census and unemployment data on Thursday.
Shares of Hong Kong-listed China Renaissance plunged by more than 20% Friday after the investment bank and fund manager said it was unable to reach founder and controlling shareholder Bao Fan.
China Renaissance said its business was operating normally.
Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports fell further by 25% in January on an annualized basis, marking its fourth consecutive month of contraction. The Straits Times index pared earlier losses and traded 0.31% higher. The Singapore dollar weakened 0.27% to 1.34 against the greenback.
Australian markets fell as Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe reiterated warnings of inflation risks and hinted at further hikes ahead.
In other markets
The Shanghai CSI 300 dipped 58.98 points, or 1.4%, to 4,034.51.
In Korea, the Kospi skidded 24.27 points, or 1%, to 2,451.21.
In Singapore, the Straits Times gained 17.14 points, or 0.5%, to 3,328.37.
In Taiwan, the Taiex staggered 70.8 points, or 0.5%, to 15,479.70.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 handed back 13.09 points, or 0.1%, to 12,144.66.
In Australia, the ASX 200 slid 63.55 points, or 0.9%, to 7,346.77.
