- Asia's markets were mixed after US stocks closed flat on Thursday, as investors weighed lowering inflation against the likelihood of higher interest rates.
- Australian stocks opened down, but market futures in Hong Kong climbed. In Asian trade, US contracts gained ground after the S&P 500 pared an early rise to close flat, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.2%.
- Traders will be keeping a close eye on the yen and the important 145 level versus the US dollar, as a holiday in Tokyo may contribute to volatility as volume thins. The consistently broad yield differential between Japan and the US keeps the yen weak and close to levels that prompted the finance ministry to intervene last year.
- Inflation numbers from the US announced on Thursday were roughly in line with predictions. The core measure, which excludes food and energy, increased for the first time in more than 2-yrs, providing support to risk assets.