Europe Asia News

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.47%, led by gains in technology stocks, while the Topix added 0.27%. Among the top gainers was technology giant SoftBank, which rose 2.86%, snapping a three-session losing streak. Semiconductor testing equipment supplier Advantest gained 2.65%, while chip equipment maker Lasertec rose 1.57%.

According to data released on Friday, core consumer prices in Tokyo rose 2.3% year on year in December. Core CPI, which excludes volatile fresh food costs, remained above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target, confirming the need to continue raising interest rates.

The latest reading came in below the 2.5% increase expected by economists and below November’s 2.8% rise. Tokyo’s inflation figures are considered a leading indicator of nationwide trends.

South Korea’s Kospi Index rose 0.53%, while the small-cap Kosdaq gained 0.42%. Index heavyweight Samsung Electronics recouped losses from the previous session, posting gains of up to 5%.

China’s CSI 300 Index fell 0.15% at the open. India’s Nifty 50 Index slipped 0.12%, while the BSE Sensex declined 0.13%. Markets in Australia and Hong Kong were closed for the holiday.

After the S&P 500 in the US closed at a fresh record for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, US stock futures edged slightly higher at the opening of Asian markets.

The broader market index rose 0.32% to close the session at 6,932.05 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 288.75 points, or 0.60%, to post a record close at 48,731.16 points, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.22% to close at 23,613.31 points.