Japan's finance minister Katayama said Takaichi strongly respects the Bank of Japan's independence.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) closed down 251.04 points, or 1.01%, at 24,510.09 on Friday, Sept. 25; the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 49.35 points, or 1.13%, to 4,311.78; the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) dropped 100.23 points, or 1.21%, to 8,165.78; the Hang Seng Red Chip Index declined 32.60 points, or 0.81%, to 3,987.52.

Energy prices rose amid Middle East tensions, and a Friday survey showed German consumer confidence is set to slip to -30.6 in October from -26.8 in September, the weakest reading since May. Survey head Rolf Birkel said most households expect higher energy costs to erode purchasing power, leaving them more pessimistic about income over the next 12 months. Consumers' income expectations fell to their lowest since April, while reported willingness to save increased.