Asian stock indexes traded mixed on Friday after the Bank of Korea eased its monetary policy for the first time since 2020, cutting interest rates by 25 basis points. Meanwhile, Chinese markets dropped ahead of a press conference by the Finance Ministry on Saturday, expected to bring a new stimulus package.

The Nikkei 225 added 0.59% at 4:29 am CET, the Kospi Composite was up by 0.31%, while the S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.14%. A minute later, the Shanghai Composite plunged 1.28% and the Shenzhen Composite plummeted 2.84%. The Hang Seng was closed today.

The dollar traded 0.11% higher against the yen at 4:30 am CET, selling for 148.75300.