Asian stock markets were lower in early trading 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 Taipei, Sydney, Manila, Shanghai and Wellington.

The dollar was selling at 76.41 yen in currency trading, down two-tenths of a yen from late Thursday.