In Asian Equity Markets Greater China markets traded lower after the world’s second largest economy reported economic data that missed expectations. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell by 1.55 percent. In mainland markets, the Shanghai composite was 0.54 percent weaker, while the Shenzhen composite slipped 0.71 percent. Other Asian markets were also in negative territory. South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.40 percent. Over in Japan, the Nikkei 225 declined 1.99 percent, while the Topix index was down 1.45 percent.

In Currency Markets the US dollar firmed against most major counterparts on Friday as investor focus shifted to an expected U.S. interest rate hike next week, although gains are likely to be capped on greater uncertainty about next year’s policy outlook. The yen was slightly stronger at 113.57 to the U.S. currency. In New Zealand, the kiwi fell 0.5 percent to $0.6822 after the central bank said it was considering almost doubling the required capital banks would need to hold to bolster the financial system’s capacity to handle any shocks.

In Commodities Markets oil prices eased on Friday after rising over 2 percent the day before, but were supported by hopes the market will tighten more quickly than some had expected in the wake of supply cuts from major producers. The output curbs by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and some non-OPEC producers including Russia could help create a supply deficit by the second quarter of next year, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday. U.S. WTI crude futures were at $52.42 per barrel, down 0.3 percent from their last settlement.

In US Equity Markets the S&P 500 finished little changed after a volatile session on Thursday, as investors continued to be spooked by uncertainty on both domestic and international issues, driving up bids for defensive shares while financials and consumer discretionary stocks were the biggest drags. The S&P 500 lost 0.02 percent, to 2,650.54 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.39 percent, to 7,070.33. Under Armour, hitting a five-day losing streak, slid 5.2 percent on Thursday after the sportswear maker forecast 2019 revenue growth and profit below Wall Street estimates.

In Bond Markets U.S. Treasury yields were narrowly mixed on Thursday, generally trading in line with U.S. equities, with investors also focused on the European Central Bank’s lower growth and inflation forecasts for next year as well as a warning of economic risks to the region. A U.S. 30-year bond auction on Thursday saw decent demand, spurring some buying in the afternoon. U.S. 10-year note yields were at 2.911 percent, from 2.906 percent late on Wednesday. U.S. 30-year bond yields were up at 3.161 percent , from 3.148 percent on Wednesday.