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Asian markets open higher following US gains Asian markets open higher following US gains
(about 2 hours later)
Asian markets opened higher on Friday, following gains on Wall Street after US government data showed strength in the world's largest economy. Asian markets traded mostly higher, following gains on Wall Street after US government data showed strength in the world's largest economy.
Retail sales in November beat forecasts, while weekly jobless claims fell in a stronger labour market.Retail sales in November beat forecasts, while weekly jobless claims fell in a stronger labour market.
That led the Dow Jones to close up 0.4%, while the broader S&P 500 gained 0.5%.That led the Dow Jones to close up 0.4%, while the broader S&P 500 gained 0.5%.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 was up 0.7% at 17,376.77 after losing nearly 4% in the last three days. In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 was up 1.3% at 17,479.62 after losing nearly 4% in the last three days.
The dollar was at 119.04 yen in early trade compared to 118.65 yen in the New York session. The dollar was at 119.20 yen in early trade compared to 118.65 yen in the New York session.
Investors are also keeping a close eye on elections this weekend as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks a mandate to delay another increase to the country's sales tax.Investors are also keeping a close eye on elections this weekend as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks a mandate to delay another increase to the country's sales tax.
Australian shares were up 0.1% with the S&P/ASX 200 at 5,236.2 after it made its third consecutive decline on Thursday. Shares of Canon surged 4.1%, to their highest since May 2013, after an upward revision to its year-end dividend forecast.
In South Korea, the benchmark Kospi index was up 0.1% at 1,918.12. China's markets opened higher as investors awaited retail sales data, due later in the day, anticipating signs of growth in the economy.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.4% at 23,413.5, while on the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was up 0.5% at 2,939.74.
Australian shares were down 0.4% with the S&P/ASX 200 at 5,212.8 after it closed down for third consecutive day on Thursday.
In South Korea, the benchmark Kospi index was up 0.4% at 1,923.55.