Asian markets dragged down by falling commodity prices

A sharp decline in commodity prices and a selloff in U.S. Treasurys weighed on global sentiment, sending key Asia-Pacific markets lower early Friday.Some equity investors were taking a breather from a recent buying spree ahead of comments from Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen later today. The timing of the Fed’s next rate increase will be in focus. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 XJO, -0.95% declined 1%, with a decline in commodities hurting large-cap shares. Elsewhere, Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average NIK, -0.64% was down 0.2%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index STI, -0.89% fell 1% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index HSI, -0.62% declined 0.8%. –– ADVERTISEMENT –– Overnight in the U.S., oil prices fell due to a stronger U.S. dollar and an increase in crude inventory . Brent, the global crude oil benchmark, fell 2.3% to $55.08 a barrel overnight and was down an additional 0.1% early in Asia on Friday.Australian oil firm Santos STO, -2.65% ...