05:39 AM EST, 03/06/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Asian stock markets were mixed Friday as traders looked for values after recent reverses, but kept an eye on Middle East turmoils, and the still-closed Strait of Hormuz through which much of the region's oil and gas is shipped.

Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo finished in the green, while other regional exchanges lagged.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower on Middle East war news but gained in trading, finishing up 0.6% after crude oil prices tempered in the afternoon. A softer yen boosted esport issues.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 342.78 to 55,620.84, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 134 to 89.

Leading the upside was Nomura Research Institute, up 6.1%, while Fuji Electric declined 6.1%.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened evenly and rose to the close, concluding up 1.7% as tech issues regained footing after recent setbacks.

The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 435.95 to 25,757.29, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 61 to 19. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 3.2% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1%.

Leading the upside was JD Logistics, gaining 23% after reporting earnings, while aluminum producer China Hongqiao declined 3%.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.4% to 4,124.19.

On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI was steady; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.2%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 1%; the Singapore Straits Times Index was flat, and the Thai Set declined 0.5%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 1.4%

The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index was flat on the day.