Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Friday.

Tokyo's Nikkei index gained three-tenths of a percent , to close at 8,798.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dropped nine-tenths of a percent , to end at 19,583.

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

The U.S. dollar was quoted at 76.96 yen, down half a yen from late Thursday.

Gold was trading at $1,786.70 an ounce.