Asian markets closed mixed on Friday as investors awaited developments on the trade front ahead of the expected unveiling of U.S. tariffs targeting China while the euro remained downbeat.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 repaired 113.14 points, or 1%, to 22,738.61. Oil-related names were higher, with the Topix oil and coal products sub-index up 2.3%. Pharmaceuticals stocks also gained, climbing 1.8%.
The U.S. dollar, meanwhile, held onto broad gains against other currencies made overnight, with the dollar index last at 94.974. Against the yen, the greenback was mostly steady at 110.72.
Also on central bank watch, the Bank of Japan on Friday said it would maintain its monetary policy, which was in line with market expectations. The central bank also downgraded its inflation views.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index dropped 130.68 points, or 0.4%, to 30.309.49
Korean issues declined, extending declines made during Thursday's selloff. Financials fell, while retailers advanced slightly. Among blue chips, Samsung Electronics fell 1.1% and Posco dropped 1.2%.
Australian markets outperformed other major markets in the region. The heavily weighted financials sub-index rose 1.9%, leading gains on the index.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 slipped 19.94 points, or 0.5%, to 3,753.43
Trade was back in the spotlight, with the White House expected to unveil a revised list of between 800 and 900 products from China it will impose tariffs on.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce "pretty significant action" in tariffs on Chinese goods worth $50 billion. China has pledged a swift response if the latter proceeded with rolling out threatened tariffs.
In other markets
Markets in Singapore were shuttered for holiday
In Korea, the Kospi index lost 19.44 points, or 0.8%, to 2,404.04
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index regrouped 73.49 points, or 0.7%, to 11,087.47
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 faded 2.43 points to 8,975.75
In Australia, the ASX 200 regained 77.39 points, or 1.3%, to 6,094.03
