Asian stock markets closed lower Friday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index dropped two-and-a-half percent , to close at 8,719.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell three percent , to end at 19,400.

Elsewhere, share prices were lower in Shanghai, Sydney, Mumbai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Markets also closed lower in Jakarta, Wellington, Manila, Taipei and Seoul.

The U.S. dollar was quoted at 76.48 yen, down a tenth of a yen from late Thursday.

Gold was trading at $1,867.05 an ounce.