Most Asian Markets Finish Lower

By Jeremiah Marquez

HONG KONG -- Most Asian markets dropped Friday as investors braced for news about the "stress tests" on major U.S. banks, while weak company results undercut hopes for an economic recovery.

Volumes were thin, suggesting investors are hesitant to place large bets one way or the other without clearer signs about the prospects for the economy and company results. Crude oil prices were steady, while the dollar slid almost 1% against the yen and the euro.

As in the U.S., company reports in Asia sent mixed signals. ...