Asian stocks closed lower on Friday (4), after a nuclear plant in Ukraine was bombed by Russian forces, in the latest development of the war in Eastern Europe.
The Japanese Nikkei index fell 2.23% in Tokyo, at 25,985.47 points, while the Hang Seng dropped 2.50% in Hong Kong, at 21,905.29 points.
The South Korean Kospi was down 1.22% in Seoul, at 2,713.43 points, and the Taiex registered a drop of 1.10% in Taiwan, at 17,736.52 points.
In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite was down 0.96% to 3,447.65 points, and the less comprehensive Shenzhen Composite was down 1.28% to 2,264.64 points.
The risk-averse sentiment came after Russian military forces attacked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, setting a fire at an attached training center that was later brought under control.
According to Ukrainian officials cited by the Reutersthe nuclear power plant — which is the largest in Europe — is now under Russian control.
Investors in Asia and other parts of the world are also awaiting the US employment report, the so-called payroll, at a time when the Federal Reserve (Fed, the American central bank) prepares to start raising interest rates, starting this month.
In Oceania, the Australian stock market was similarly pressured by the war news, and the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.57% in Sydney, at 7,110.80 points.
Source: CNN Brasil
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