(Bloomberg) — Asian equities tracked US stocks higher Friday on dovish signs from central banks and ahead of US jobs data due later Friday. The yen strengthened on speculation the Bank of Japan will soon raise interest rates.
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Australian shares edged higher while equity futures for Hong Kong also advanced. The moves followed a gain for the S&P 500 Index which set a fresh record Thursday, and a 1.6%-gain for the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100. US futures were slightly lower in early Asian trading.
The yen extended its rally against the dollar Friday after ending the previous session 0.9% stronger on speculation the BOJ will raise interest rates for the first time since 2007. Bets on the March 18-19 meeting are gaining traction as reports emerge that some BOJ officials favor an early move while some government officials also support a rate hike.
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