China

The Chinese mainland stock markets closed down on Friday.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dropped 4.425 points, or 0.14 pct to close at 3193.112, While the Shenzhen Stock Index fell 31.814 points, or 0.37 pct, to end the day at 8547.51.

Japan

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average climbed 23.71, or 0.1 percent, to 17,287.65 in Tokyo. The broader Topix index added 2.93, or 0.2 percent, to 1713.61. The measures are up 0.4 percent and 1.9 percent respectively so far this year, completing a third straight quarter of advances.

Australian

Australian stocks rose, led by media companies including Fairfax Media Ltd. after the government said laws removing most ownership restrictions will take effect April 4, paving the way for mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index climbed 34.10, or 0.6 percent, to 5995.0 at the close in Sydney. About 13 stocks gained for every five that fell. New Zealand's NZX 50 Index fell 0.1 percent to 4107.14 in Wellington.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index's futures contract for June rose 0.4 percent to 6027. The broader All Ordinaries Index added 0.6 percent to 5978.80.