Asian stocks rose, with the regional index headed for its best weekly rally since March, as investors weighed earnings, Ukraine developments and economic data that fueled bets central banks will maintain stimulus.
The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained 3.77 points to 15,318.44, making a five-session winning streak.
The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong added 153.58 points, or 0.6%, to 24,954.94, the highest close since Nov. 8, 2010, and briefly rose above 25,000 for the first time since May 2008.
Parkson Retail Group Ltd., which operates department stores in China, soared 13% in Hong Kong after first-half profit beat estimates.
James Hardie Industries Plc., an Australian building-materials supplier, slumped 7.2% after reporting profit plunged.
BHP Billiton Ltd. gained 2.3% in Sydney as the world’s biggest mining company said it may announce a spinoff of assets next week. China Mobile Ltd., the world’s largest phone company by users, climbed 5.8% as it said it will cut $2 billion U.S. from device subsidies.
Keikyu Corp. added 2.9% after the Nikkei newspaper reported the railway company aims to enter casino management in Japan as lawmakers continue to discuss a bill to legalize casinos this year.
This week, data showed Japan’s economy contracted the most since 2011, China credit growth and industrial production missed estimates, and U.S. retail sales stalled.
In other markets;
Markets in Korea were closed for holiday.
The Shanghai CSI 300 index recovered 24.69 points, or 1.1%, to 2,360.64.
In Singapore, the Straits Times STI Index regained 19.94 points, or 0.6%, to 3,314.77.
The Taiex Index in Taiwan slid 23.80 points, or 0.3%, to 9,206.81
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved up 15.67 points, or 0.3%, to 5,078.08
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 grew 18.05 points, or 0.3%, to 5,566.52
