Asian stock markets close week down except for China

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) – Asian stock exchanges closed the week on a low note on Friday, except for China's Shanghai, as the political tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate with the intensified threat of an invasion.

The Asia Dow, which includes blue-chip companies in the region, fell 41.96 points, or 1.12%, to 3,716.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock exchange decreased 110.8 points, or 0.41%, to 27,122 while China's Shanghai stock exchange rose 22.72 points, or 0.66%, to close at 3,490 points.

Hang Seng, the benchmark for blue-chip stocks trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange, was the worst performer of the day, dropping 465.06 points, or 1.88%, to 24,327.

The Indian Sensex benchmark posted a drop of 59.04 points, or 0.10%, to close at 57,832, while the Singapore index also decreased 12.67 points, or 0.37%, to reach 3,428.

US President Joe Biden said Thursday the threat of an invasion is "very high” and Moscow is moving troops and may engage in a false flag operation.

The head of Poland's National Security Bureau said Thursday that Russia's intention to attack Ukraine is clearer than ever, despite Moscow confirming a partial withdrawal of troops from the border.