Asian stock markets closed sharply lower Friday.

Japanese markets were closed Friday for a national holiday .

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dropped 1.36 percent , to end at 17,668.

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

The U.S. dollar was quoted at 76.23 yen, down slightly from late Thursday.

Gold was trading at $1,723.00 an ounce.