Asian stocks fall as concern over Middle East spurs selling

TOKYO -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei Stock Average on Friday morning fell as much as 1,346.7 yen, or 3.5%, from the previous day's close as market players reacted to reports of Israel striking Iran with missiles.

Nikkei stock average closed at 37,068.35 yen, down 2.66% from the previous day. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed down 1.6%, after falling as much as 3.1% in midday trading. Samsung Electronics dropped 2.5%, while SK Hynix plunged 4.9%.