Asian trading is mixed as worries about AI-related issues grow

TOKYO (AP) — Asians shares were trading mixed early Friday, as worries about the future of artificial intelligence grew after Alphabet's stock drop dragged on U.S. markets. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 2.6% to 62,960.60. The Bank of Japan is closing a two-day monetary policy board meeting, but most analysts expect no action this time around after the central bank raised its benchmark rate to 1.25% last month. The U.S. has also been pressuring Japan to raise rates because of concerns about the weakening yen. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar fell to 157.50 Japanese yen from 157.65 yen. The euro cost $1.1197, up from $1.1181. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.5% to 8,937.60. South Korea's Kospi declined 5.4% to 5,618.