Japan’s stock markets rose early on Friday, tracking US markets higher, while gold hit a new all-time high.
The country’s benchmark Topix rose 0.6 per cent in early trading, making it the best-performing stock market in Asia-Pacific. The real estate sector was the strongest performer, adding 4.2 per cent.
The yen continued to slide against the dollar, falling 0.15 per cent to ¥153.04 despite remarks from officials on Thursday suggesting the government was prepared to intervene.
Gold continued to rise, gaining 0.6 per cent to $2,387.85 per troy ounce, an all-time high. Stronger-than-forecast US inflation data has led to a rally in gold, which is considered a hedge against inflation and uncertainty.