Shares in Asia-Pacific slipped in Friday trade, with Japanese markets among the region’s biggest losers.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 tumbled 681.59 points, or 2.3%, to end a rough week at 28,771.07.
Sentiment at Japan’s large manufacturers improved in the three months to September, according to the Bank of Japan’s quarterly Tankan business sentiment survey released Friday. The headline index for large manufacturers’ sentiment came in at plus 18 — an improvement over the previous quarter’s reading of plus 14.
The Japanese yen traded at 111.05 per U.S. dollar, stronger than levels around 112 seen against the greenback yesterday.
Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China were closed for holiday.
The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7197, against an earlier high of $0.724.
Oil prices were lower in the afternoon of Asia trading
In other markets
In Korea, the Kospi dumped 49.64 points, or 1.6%, to 3,019.18.
In Taiwan, the Taiex cratered 363.88 points, or 2.2%, to 16,570.89.
In Singapore, the Straits Times stepped back 35.59 points, or 1.2%, to 3,051.11
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 inched up 3.39 points to 13,279.15
In Australia, the ASX 200 slid 146.66 points, or 2%, at 7,185.50
