Asian markets mostly down shaken by quake, euro

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mostly down Friday, ending three days of gains as the euro hit its lowest level in six months and a strong earthquake in Japan left investors rattled.

The euro fell lower than the levels seen after Britain’s shock decision to leave the European Union in June, following the ECB’s Thursday announcement that it would maintain the size and scope of its

Players were watching closely to see if ECB chief Mario Draghi would hint at an extension—or a winding down— of the drip feed stimulus, with growth

But with no immediate policy change on the cards, traders are now looking to the next meeting

A six-month extension to the ECB’s stimulus scheme, which is currently set to end in March 2017, is widely expected then.

ECB meeting,” Matt Simpson, a senior market analyst at ThinkMarkets in Sin

“Draghi didn’t talk tapering and suggested easing in Decem weaker euro.”

deals Friday, after ticking higher the day -

Rattled by quake

Asian markets started the day positively as investors welcomed the ECB’s promise to maintain the status quo, on sentiment.

which pushed down stocks.

“As often when there is an earth - nese investors repatriate funds, said Simon Pianfetti, a senior manager at the market solutions department at SMBC Trust Bank Ltd.

Computer- controlled orders are placed fast to react to news of earthquakes measuring greater

The Nikkei 225 index, which was up or 50.91 points, to close at 17,184.59,

issues was down 0.40 percent, or 5.51

Topix-listed Nintendo plunged Fri- to its long-awaited new console.

The game maker’s shares dived - kets reacted to a preview trailer for its new console ‘ Switch’, seen as compete with Sony’s hugely popular PlayStation 4.

Shanghai closed slightly higher on shares, dealers said.

- points, to 3,090.94 on turnover of gained 0.89 percent for the week.

Singapore was also down after index heavyweight Keppel Corp—the - nounced Thursday it was slashing

Keppel slipped 0.13 on Friday.

South Korean shares fell 0.37 percent with Samsung falling nearly two percent as Apple’s iPhone7 hit stores across the country.

Markets in Hong Kong were closed for the day as Typhoon Haima lashed - nesses to shut. percent