Japan: Japan's Nikkei stock index rose on Friday, buoyed by fading expectations of a near-term US Federal Reserve interest-rate hike. The benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed 0.85% to 68,889.01 by the midday break and was on track for a weekly gain of around 5%.
According to Qatar News Agency, the broader TOPIX index advanced 0.69% to 4,204.99, putting it on course for a record closing high. Among Nikkei 225 constituents, 145 stocks advanced, 77 declined and one was unchanged.