Asian stock markets were mostly lower in early trading Friday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index lost two-thirds of a percent , to close at 9,492.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dropped 1.31 percent , to end at 22,950.

Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Shanghai and Taipei. Markets closed lower in Sydney, Wellington and Manila.

In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 80.70 yen, down two-tenths of a yen from late Thursday.