- Asia's stocks rose after a rally in tech shares helped investors shake off mixed economic data that suggested a path to a soft landing, but the risk of recession remains.
- An Asian equity index was on track for its fifth weekly gain and highest close since April, boosted by gains in Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
- Hong Kong stocks lost early gains, and sentiment may be weighed down by reports that Japan and the Netherlands are planning to join the United States in limiting China's access to advanced semiconductor machinery. For the lunar new year holiday, mainland China remains closed.
- The S&P 500 closed at its highest level in over a month, reflecting a surge in technology stocks. The Nasdaq 100 rose 2% to its highest level since September, led by Tesla's 11% gain.
- Australian bond yields rose more than six basis points to 3.57%, following similar moves in US treasuries. The Australian dollar held its gains from Thursday, while the yen rose 0.5% after
