Investing.com - On Friday, shares in the Asian Pacific region experienced a slight surge, mirroring the modest gains seen in European equities overnight.
Australia's shares are poised to open higher, reflecting the modest gains across European markets overnight. As of 11:00 am AEDT on Friday, the ASX 200 added 0.5% while the KOSPI 200 opened flat.
In the commodity markets, Brent crude oil experienced a 0.7% dip, settling at US$81.42 per barrel, while gold saw a 0.1% increase to US$1,992.25.
In the local bond markets, the yield on Australian 2 Year government bonds rose to 4.20%, while the 10 Year yield also increased to 4.48%. US Treasury notes remained steady, with the 2 Year yield at 4.90% and the 10 Year yield at 4.40%.
The Australian dollar appreciated to 65.57 US cents, up from the previous close of 65.39. The US Dollar Index which measures the US dollar against 16 other currencies, dipped to 103.8.
Chinese shares closed higher, fueled by additional stimulus measures for the Chinese property sector. Shenzhen's recent measures to ease the purchase of second homes and media reports about a "white list" for financing property developers boosted market sentiment. Auto and autoparts stocks drove the gains, while beverage and airlines stocks led the losses.
Hong Kong shares closed higher, supported by optimism over additional stimulus measures for China's property sector. The benchmark Hang Seng Index was up 1.0%, and the Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index rose 6.4%.
Japan's markets were closed for the Labor Thanksgiving Day public holiday.
Indian shares closed flat amidst mixed global cues ahead of a U.S. holiday. Gains in bank and steel stocks offset losses in infrastructure and tech companies.
European stocks mostly gained after mixed Asia trading, with oil stocks among the biggest risers as crude prices recovered some of Wednesday's losses. The Stoxx Europe 600 edged 0.1% higher and the DAX and CAC 40 advanced 0.2%.
London's blue-chip index ended the session 0.19% higher on Thursday, breaking a three-day losing streak. The FTSE 100's rise was aided by encouraging surveys pointing to a pickup in business activity.
US markets were closed for the Thanksgiving national holiday.