Asia markets closed mixed on Thursday, despite a stronger finish in the U.S. that followed a rise in oil prices and the release of dovish Federal Reserve meeting minutes.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dropped 102.75 points, or 0.7%, to 15,276.24,
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index recovered 211.63 points, or 1%, to 20,706.92
The Japanese yen, a safe-haven currency, traded at 100.73 against the U.S. dollar, strengthening from an earlier session low of 101.40, and compared to levels near 103 on Friday. Analysts said the fresh strength in the yen was due to a flight to safety amid jitters across financial markets.
Shares of Samsung Electronics closed 2% higher, after the smartphone maker said its second-quarter operating profit likely rose 17.4% on-year to around $7 billion U.S., beating expectations.
It was reported to be its highest in more than two years as Galaxy S7 smartphone sales propelled mobile earnings
Australian markets were boosted by gains in the energy, materials and the heavily-weighted financials sub-indexes.
The Australian dollar traded at $0.7502 U.S. after dropping as low as $0.7464 earlier in the session. The Aussie was under pressure after S&P Global Ratings lowered its outlook on the country's debt to negative.
In other markets
The Shanghai CSI 300 fell 6.85 points, or 0.2%, to 3,209.95
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index returned from holiday to retreat 2.5 points, or 0.1%, to 2,862.17
In Korea, the Kospi regained 20.96 points, or 1.1%, to 1,974.08
In Taiwan, the Taiex index picked up 65.16 points, or 0.8%, to 8,640.91
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 gained 30.29 points, or 0.4%, to 7,007.52
The ASX 200 recouped 30.42 points, or 0.6%, to 5,227.92
