Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals of Friday, as the initial euphoria over US-China trade negotiations has diminished, leading to a more cautious outlook among investors.
Investors turned cautious ahead of Chinas key April data due next week, including industrial output, retail sales, and home prices.
Technological and export-driven sector stocks have faced pressure due to concerns over global demand and supply chain disruptions.
Ongoing geopolitical issues in the region, including tensions in the South China Sea and North Korea's missile tests, have also weighed on market sentiments.
Hang Seng dipped the most among Asian indices, though it remains on track for the fifth consecutive weekly gain, the longest streak since February, up over 1.5% so far.Nikkei 225 down by 35.07 points or 0.09% to 37,720.44, Straits Times dipped by 7.09 points or 0.18% to 3,884.85, Hang Seng curtailed by 190.36 points or 0.82% to 23,262.80, Shanghai Composite narrowed by 17.50 points or 0.52% to 3,363.32, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI slipped by 1.42 points or 0.09% to 1,571.60.On the flip side, KOSPI Index increased by 6.70 points or 0.26% to 2,628.06, Taiwan Weighted rose by 64.41 points or 0.30% to 21,794.66, Jakarta Composite up by 22.01 points or 0.31% to 7,062.17.