Asian stocks were mostly higher on Friday, following a positive U.S. lead, while Thai markets fell after the country’s military took control in a coup.  Japanese stocks led the gains, with the Nikkei Average ending up 0.9% and the Topix index closing 1% higher. The yen (USDJPY) remained flat, trading at Yen101.812 from Yen101.793 in the previous session.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.2% at the close. The Australian dollar (AUDUSD) slightly rose to 92.32 U.S. cents, from 92.24 U.S. cents on Thursday.

Hong Kong stocks closed positive after a choppy session, with the Hang Seng Index up 0.1% for its fourth straight day of gains. The Shanghai Composite Index also advanced 0.7%. Chinese property stocks rallied in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, after state media said the government might loosen restrictions on home purchases in all but the largest Chinese cities.

However, Thailand’s stock markets had a volatile day after the country’s army seized control of the government in a coup it said was aimed at restoring stability after six months of political turmoil. The benchmark SET index trimmed earlier losses in the afternoon session, still 1% lower at this point.

The Thai baht (USDTHB) initially dropped against the dollar, having touched a intraday low of 32.46 baht. The currency rebounded to 32.59 baht in afternoon trading.

Among market movers, Japanese semiconductor maker Renesas Electronics jumped 4.4%, banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group rose 2.3%, optical equipment manufacturer Olympus Corp. gained 1.9%, and electronics maker Fujitsu added 1.4%.

In Hong Kong, property developers were among the biggest winners, with Sunac China Holdings rising 8.2%, Greentown China Holdings up 6.6%, China Overseas Land & Investment gaining 5.5%, and Country Garden Holdings up 4.9%.

In Shanghai, top gainers in the property sector included Wolong Real Estate Group , adding 10.1%, and Poly Real Estate Group , up 4.3%.

By Laura He, MarketWatch