Investing.com - Asian Pacific stock markets experienced a mixed open on Friday, while US indices remained closed due to a public holiday.
By 11:00 am AEST (1:00 am GMT) the S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.2%, the KOSPI 200 added 0.7% and the Nikkei 225 eased 0.1%.
In the commodities market, Brent crude oil saw a marginal 0.1% increase, reaching US$87.43 per barrel. Gold prices also rose slightly by 0.02% to US$2,356.69.
Yields on Australian 2-year and 10-year government bonds remained at 4.23% and 4.41% respectively. US Treasury notes remained steady, with the 2-year yield at 4.71% and the 10-year yield at 4.36%.
In China, the stock market ended on a lower note, primarily due to the performance of consumer and property stocks. The Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.8% to 2,957.57, struggling to surpass the significant 3,000 level. Despite a positive lead from US equities, Chinese equities faced a cautious sentiment as investors await key political meetings and further economic data.
Hong Kong shares reported a slight increase, buoyed by auto and resources stocks. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers experienced gains following Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)'s overnight surge in the US. Pharmaceutical companies, however, pulled down the market.
In Japan, the Nikkei Stock Average surpassed its previous record set on March 22, closing 0.8% higher at 40,913.65. The weak yen and signs of potential US economic weakness fuelled hopes for earnings growth and potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Indian shares also ended slightly higher, with tech and auto stocks leading the way. The Sensex rose by 0.1% to 80,049.67, crossing the 80,000 level for the first time.
In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index added 0.9% to 8241.26, with Smith & Nephew PLC, Bakkavor Group PLC, and Old Mutual Ltd. recording significant gains. Meanwhile, Fevertree Drinks PLC, Currys PLC, and Zegona Communications PLC faced the largest declines.
Elsewhere in Europe, the STOXX Europe 600 Index gained 0.6% to 517.54, Germany's DAX rose 0.4% to 18,450.48, and France's CAC 40 added 0.8%.