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Asia shares up on positive US economic data | Asia shares up on positive US economic data |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Asian shares mostly rose after upbeat US economic data showed strength in the world's largest economy. | |
US weekly jobless claims fell, factory activity in its mid-Atlantic region grew at its fastest pace in two decades and existing home sales strengthened. | US weekly jobless claims fell, factory activity in its mid-Atlantic region grew at its fastest pace in two decades and existing home sales strengthened. |
Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.3% at 17,357.51 after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved parliament in preparation for an election. | Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.3% at 17,357.51 after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved parliament in preparation for an election. |
However, the index was 0.8% lower for the week. | However, the index was 0.8% lower for the week. |
In the currency markets, the yen strengthened after Japan's Finance Minister, Taro Aso, said the recent weakening in the currency had been "too rapid". | |
The dollar was trading at 117.35 yen, after having hit a seven-year peak of 118.98 on Thursday. | The dollar was trading at 117.35 yen, after having hit a seven-year peak of 118.98 on Thursday. |
In Greater China, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed 0.4% higher at 23,437.12, while the Shanghai Composite rose 1.4% to 2,486.79 points. | |
In Australia, shares closed at a five-week low on concerns over slumping iron ore prices and future demand. | In Australia, shares closed at a five-week low on concerns over slumping iron ore prices and future demand. |
The S&P/ASX 200 index ended 0.2% lower at 5,306.8 - its lowest since 17 October. The benchmark has now fallen for five consecutive sessions. | |
South Korean shares closed higher after data showed that exports rose 3.6% in November compared with a year ago, while imports fell 3.1% in the same period. The benchmark Kospi was up 0.4% at 1,964.84. | |