Asia-Pacific equities were mixed on Friday, as some investors snapped up bargains after days of declines, but the mood was still extremely cautious as worries about the US economy and surging oil prices eating into company profits were still at the forefront of investors’ minds.

The Nikkei 225 slid for the 12th day, heading towards its longest losing streak since 1954. The longest consecutive days of losses was 15 days in 1954. The stock index fell 0.2 per cent at 13,237.89, while the broader Topix was little changed, down just 0.01 per cent to 1,297.88.