Shares in the Asia-Pacific traded mixed as Japan’s core consumer price index for October rose 3.6% compared to a year ago, higher than expected and at the fastest pace in 40 years. The nation last saw the same level in February 1982, Refinitiv data showed.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 stepped back 30.8 points, or 0.1%, to 27,899.57.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped 53.12 points, or 0.3%, to 17,992.54.
Shares of South Korean and Japanese defense-related companies rose in Friday’s morning session after North Korea was confirmed to have launched an inter-continental ballistic missile.
In Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rose 0.93% while Hosoya Pyro-Engineering rose 1.7% in Asia’s afternoon session.
Shares of Chinese tech companies Tencent and NetEase listed in Hong Kong rose after the companies were granted gaming licenses by China’s National Press and Publication Administration.
Tencent shares rose 3% at open, and NetEase rose more than 5%.
In South Korea, shares of Hanwha Aerospace rose 4.69%, Korea Aerospace gained 2.34%, and Victek climbed 2.3%.
Alibaba also announced it would increase its share buyback program by $15 billion.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 dipped 17.09 points, or 0.5%, to 3,801.57.
In Taiwan, the Taiex lost 30.24 points, or 0.2%, to 14,504.99.
In Korea, the Kospi index inched forward 1.58 points, or 0.1%, to 2,444.48.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index docked 13.81 points, or 0.4%, to 3,272.23.
In Australia, the ASX 200 moved up 16.18 points, or 0.2%, to 7,151.83.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 leaped 86.09 points, or 0.8%, to 11,380.61.
