Japan's Nikkei 225 index declined 0.36% to close lower on Friday, as losses in industrial and materials sectors outweighed gains in transportation and chemicals.
Declines in steel and pharmaceutical shares weighed on the index, with Japan Steel Works dropping 4.65% and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma falling 3.65%. The broader materials sector also contributed to the downward pressure. Advancing stocks slightly outnumbered decliners, with 1,860 rising versus 1,597 falling, while 288 stocks ended unchanged.
Among the top gainers, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha led with a 7.28% advance to 3,405.00, nearing five-year highs, while Sumitomo Chemical added 7.18% to close at 559.80. Tokyo Electric Power also rose 4.65% to 549.30.
The Nikkei Volatility Index, which tracks implied volatility for Nikkei 225 options, fell 8.51% to 29.68, reflecting reduced uncertainty in the options market.
The yen weakened slightly against the dollar, with USD/JPY down 0.10% to 158.89, while the euro strengthened 0.08% against the yen to 185.86. U.S. dollar index futures declined 0.17% to 98.64.
In commodities, October crude oil futures fell 0.56% to $86.34 per barrel, and Brent crude for October delivery dropped 0.41% to $93.40. December gold futures rose 1.02% to $4,618.04 per troy ounce.
