Asia Stocks Dip on U.S. Jobs Data, Strong Yen

Asian stock markets fell Friday after a jump in U.S. unemployment claims led to a disappointing day on Wall Street.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock average lost 1.3 percent to 9,443.57 in broad-based declines. A strong yen kept pressure on exporters like automakers. Japanese financial markets were closed Thursday for a national holiday.

Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1 percent to 4,589.7, and South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.3 percent to 1,827.79.

In New York Thursday, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.7 percent to close at 10,662.42 in its second day of losses.

Sentiment flagged on data showing applications for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly last week. European stocks also sank following a lower reading on business activity in the 16 countries that use the euro and news that Ireland’s economy shrank 1.2 percent in the second quarter.

The broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 0.8 percent to 1,124.83, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 0.3 percent to 2,327.08.

In currencies, the dollar was trading at 84.53 yen from 84.39 yen. The euro stood at $1.3320 from $1.3312.

Financial markets in mainland China are closed Friday for a national holiday.

TOKYO (AP)