(MENAFN- AFP) Asian markets were mixed on Friday with trade quiet across the region as key bourses remained closed for the Christmas holidays.
Tokyo slipped 0.17 percent by the break, while Shanghai edged up 0.18 percent, Shenzhen added 0.04 percent and Seoul was up 0.24 percent in morning trade.
Trade was muted in Asia as stock exchanges in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia were closed Friday for a public holiday.
There was also no overnight guidance from Europe or the US markets, which were closed for Christmas.
In Japan, fresh data showed the nation's industrial output suffered a surprise drop in November, turning down after two months of rises.
Japanese core consumer inflation continued to slow in November, data also showed, despite efforts by the government and central bank to make a clear break from deflation.
In China, market sentiment was a little more upbeat after the government announced new corporate support policies, dealers said.
Oil prices rose in Asia Friday as dealers reacted to a surprise Islamist attack on Libya's main oil terminals that left 22 soldiers dead.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for February delivery rose 28 cents to $56.12 in mid-morning trade, while Brent for February gained 13 cents to $60.37.
Since fresh clashes between government forces and the jihadists erupted on December 13, Libya's oil production has dropped to nearly 350,000 barrels per day compared with 800,000 previously, according to industry experts.
Production in Libya, a member of the OPEC oil-producing cartel, has only just started to rise following a prolonged disruption due to civil unrest.
On the currency markets, the dollar was at 120.36 yen early Friday, compared with 120.14 in Asian trade Thursday, while the euro bought $1.2209 and 146.94 yen, against $1.2216 and 146.78 yen
Gold was at $1,184.17 an ounce, compared with $1,179.80 late Christmas Eve.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.