Asian equities edged higher on Friday as investors awaited U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for fresh clues on the Federal Reserve’s rate path.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.8%, leading the region, after Washington announced tariff reductions under a new trade agreement. Strong household spending and wage data further underpinned domestic demand resilience, though persistent inflation continues to pose challenges for the Bank of Japan’s policy outlook.
In China, equities steadied but were on track for weekly losses after August’s rally, with the CSI 300 down about 2.6% on profit-taking. Upcoming trade and inflation data are expected to provide clearer direction.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.3%, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.4%, Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.3%, while South Korea’s KOSPI was flat. U.S. futures also advanced in Asian trading, with the S&P 500 extending its record-setting rally on optimism over interest rates.
