Asian shares fell on Friday as weak U.S. economic data and unrest in Saudi Arabia prompted investors to sell riskier assets, while the euro looked shaky after its biggest one-day fall against the dollar in a month.
Increased demand for safe haven assets pushed Treasuries and precious metals higher after Saudi police fired in the air to disperse protesting Shi'ites, reviving fears of possible supply disruptions from the world's top oil exporter.
Key stock indexes in Japan , Australia and South Korea fell nearly 1 percent each following losses on Wall Street. The broader Asian market outside Japan dipped 0.3 percent.
The main Wall Street indexes closed 1.9 percent lower, pushing below key 50-day moving averages, a move signalling deteriorating strength.
The mood was further soured by data showing that initial claims for U.S. job benefits rose more than expected. .
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