- Asian shares rose as Hong Kong traders returned from lunar new year holidays, with a gauge of dollar strength nearing a nine-month low and hopes for a pause in interest rate hikes.

- A regional stock index headed for its highest close since April, helped by a 3% surge in Hong Kong-listed technology companies. South Korean equities rose, as did US and European futures. The yen strengthened, wiping out earlier gains in Japan's Topix index.

- Gains in US-listed Chinese stocks and the S&P 500 this week added to the uptick in Hong Kong equities. Holiday travel and box office data in China showed signs of recovery, bolstering sentiment in Asia, as people took advantage of Beijing's shift away from its covid zero policy.

- Australia's markets, as well as those in India and China, are closed for national holidays.