Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region posted further gains on Friday and are heading for a weekly gain as better-than-expected figures from the US dampened recession fears.
Japan (NKY:IND) +3.75%ready for his best week in more than four for years with an optimistic risk sentiment. The Japanese yen (EUR:USD) fell below 149 per dollar, reaching a two-week low
China (SHCOMP) +0.01%. rises for the second year in a row, following global competitors.
Hong Kong (HSI) +2.05%
The Malaysian economy grew by 5.9% in the second quarter compared to the previous year.
Singapore’s domestic exports (excluding oil) rose 15.7% year-on-year in July.
India (SENSEX) +0.72% They rose for the third straight day, following a rally on Wall Street overnight after retail sales rose more than expected.
Australia (AS51) +1.20%hit a two-week high, tracking the broader market rally. The Australian dollar held above $0.66 and marched toward a three-week high as Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michelle Bullock said that despite signs of easing inflation.
In New Zealand, producer prices rose by 1.4% compared to the previous quarter.
In the US, all three major indices closed higher on Thursday following the release of economic data and optimistic comments from retail giant Walmart.
US stock futures rose slightly on Friday as the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point in September increased. Dow +0.20%; S&P500 +0.27%; Nasdaq +0.42%.
Currencies: (JPY:USD), (CNY:USD), (AUD:USD), (INR:USD), (HKD:USD), (NZD:USD).