Major stock market indexes in the Asia-Pacific region traded mixed on Friday as investors assessed a rise in Tokyo's annual inflation rate and Japan's industrial production compared to the previous month, a decline in retail sales, and a lower-than-expected unemployment figure.
Japan's Nikkei 225 increased by 0.39% or 152 points at 7:22 am CET as the dollar went up by 0.37% against the yen to sell for ¥154.8190. South Korea's Kospi decreased by 0.86%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.45% higher.
The markets in mainland China and Hong Kong were closed for the Lunar New Year celebrations.