Asian market mixed after ECB, US NFP in focus

Asian markets traded mixed on Friday as US markets closed likewise overnight after the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting.

The ECB struck a dovish tone when President Mario Draghi signalled that the bank stood by to expand its quantitative easing (QE) program if necessary. Attention will quickly turn to the US though, with US non-farm payrolls on tap for Friday.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index tumbled 1.23% to 17,958.53 points within the first hour of trade, while Tokyo's broader Topix gauge fell 1.13% to trade at 1,458.18 points.

Chinese markets were closed for the second day in a row as the nation celebrated Victory Day.

Korea's benchmark Kospi index shed 0.58% to trade at 1,904.47 points on Friday morning in Seoul, and Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index advanced 0.78% to 21,098.53 points at the opening bell on Friday.

The benchmark Australian S&P/ASX 200 index wavered between gains and losses but was seen trading 0.14% higher at 5,034.60 points in Sydney, with miners' gains offsetting losses among financials.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index slipped 0.30% lower to 5,552.82 points this afternoon in Wellington.