- Asian stocks rose after US stocks rose for the first time this month, with traders looking to upcoming inflation data in the US for clues on the path of interest rate hikes.
- A benchmark of Asian equities is on track for its sixth weekly gain in two years. That came after the S&P 500 recovered from a rout that had put the index on the verge of breaching its 100-day average price.
- Hong Kong shares rose, while mainland gauges fluctuated, as data showed that China's factory-gate prices fell again in November, while consumer inflation eased. Chinese property shares were among the biggest gainers, as investors anticipate that the government will increase support for the struggling sector at a key economic meeting next week.
- Investors are encouraged by any signs of price weakness, which may allow central banks to be less hawkish and more supportive of economic growth.
- When geopolitics-driven appetite for haven investments faded, the dollar fell against most of its major counterparts, extending Thursday's drop. The offshore yuan strengthened slightly.
- Treasury yields remained unchanged, with 10-yr yields hovering around 3.5%. Government bond yields in Australia fell, while those in New Zealand rose. The benchmark 10-yr yields in Japan remained unchanged.
