Major stock market indexes in the Asia-Pacific region traded mostly higher on Friday following the release of several economic updates. Japan revealed a monthly growth in its private sector in January. On the other hand, China, while seeing a rise in services, observed a further decrease in manufacturing.
Japan's Nikkei 225 closed 0.39% higher as the dollar lost 0.10% to the yen to go for ¥128.6185 at 7:23 am CET. South Korea's Kospi gained 0.43% at 7:22 am CET. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 traded 0.62% higher at the close.
In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite fell by 0.87% at 7:09 am CET. At the same time, the Shenzhen Composite dipped by 0.72%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped by 1.43% at 7:25 am CET.
