HSI In Red As Asian Markets End A Nervous Week

Hong Kong shares ended with a loss on Friday after a week of fluctuations across global markets as fears of a trade war offset optimism from Donald Trump's decision to hold face-to-face talks with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.1 percent, to close at 31,501.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.7 percent, to close at 3,269, and the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 0.6 percent, to 1,863.

Most Asian investors remained on edge as the curtain came down on another volatile week for markets with fears of a global trade war playing off against a positive economic outlook.

Tokyo ended 0.6 percent lower and Singapore eased 0.1 percent, while Bangkok and Jakarta were also down.

But Sydney added 0.4 percent and Seoul gained 0.1 percent. Wellington, Taipei and Manila also rose.

The US dollar fell further against the yen as investors continue to buy the Japanese unit as a hedge against volatility, while the euro was up but being weighed by a soft tone from the European Central Bank on its plans for monetary tightening. (AFP)