Gate News message, April 17 — South Korea's KOSPI index (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) opened down 4.55 points, or 0.07%, at 6,221.5 on Friday. Japan's Nikkei 225 index (Japan's primary stock benchmark) fell 227.62 points, or 0.38%, to 59,290.72.

Both major Asian equity benchmarks showed weakness at the open on April 17.