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• Asian shares firmed on Friday, supported by solid Chinese trade data, while the dollar skidded after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi suggested the central bank may begin tapering its massive stimulus programme this autumn.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS added 0.6 percent, and was set for a 0.3 percent gain for the week.

• Japan’s Nikkei share average dropped to four-month lows on Friday while the broader Topix was almost flat as investors held off buying on concerns North Korea could launch another missile on Saturday to mark its founding day.

The Nikkei fell 0.6 percent to 19,274.82, its lowest close since April 28. The broader Topix was down 0.3 percent at 1,593.54. On the week, the Nikkei lost 2.1percent while the Topix shed 1.6 percent.

• China stocks slipped on Friday to snap a three-week winning streak, as defensive consumers stepped back from a rally, although there were signs investors are pumping fresh money into a market buoyed by solid economic growth and a resurgent yuan.

The blue-chip CSI300 index fell 0.1 percent, to 3,825.99 points, while the Shanghai Composite Index was flat at 3,365.24 points.

• European markets were slightly lower on Friday morning, as investors tracked a massive storm nearing the U.S. while the dollar skidded against the euro after comments from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi.

Meantime, the ECB kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Thursday and said it stands ready to increase its asset purchase program if needed. Draghi said low inflation rates meant that a "substantial degree" of monetary policy remained necessary until the end of the year at least. But he added the central bank would decide in the fall - at its October meeting - on the status of its bond-buying program for next year.

Reference: Reuters,CNBC