Asian shares experienced mixed results on Friday, despite positive news about the U.S. economy. Japan's benchmark index, the Nikkei 225, fell 1.3% after data revealed that inflation was slowing faster than expected. The key measure of inflation dropped to 1.6% in January from 2.4% in December, alleviating pressure on the Bank of Japan to tighten its ultra-loose monetary policy. The central bank has been striving to achieve a 2% inflation target. Experts expect inflation to rebound above 2% in February.
Chinese markets also ended a winning streak, impacted by government measures to stabilize share prices and the property sector. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 1.6% to 15,954.86, while the Shanghai Composite remained relatively unchanged, edging up 0.1% to 2,910.22. In contrast, South Korea's Kospi rose 0.3% to 2,478.56. Australian markets were closed for a national holiday.
