Asia-Pacific markets declined on Friday as investors assess risks associated with the new omicron COVID variant and look ahead to key inflation data in the U.S.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 staggered 267.7 points, or 1%, to 28,437.77.
The Japanese yen weakened 0.09% to 113.54 per U.S. dollar.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng gave back 259.14 points, or 1.1%, to 23,995.72.
In company news, Fortescue Metal Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines will step down from her role once her successor is found as the miner shifts to become a diversified renewable energy and resources player. Fortescue shares fell 0.8%.
Australian stocks also declined as energy names sold off: Santos shares fell 2.1%, Oil Search was lower by 2.4% and Woodside Petroleum declined 0.7%.
The Australian dollar inched higher to $0.7156.
In other markets
In China, the CSI 300 lost 23.57 points, or 0.5%, to 5,055.12.
In Taiwan, the Taiex dropped 87.86 points, or 0.5%, to 17,826.26
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index let go of 6.84 points, or 0.2%, to 3,135.61
In Korea, the Kospi index stepped back 19.34 points, or 0.6%, to 3,010.23
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 regained 77.85 points, or 0.6%, to 12,849.68
In Australia, the ASX 200 lost 30.94 points, or 0.4%, at 7,353.51
