Asian stocks looked set to round out a strong quarter with gains on Friday, while the rally in sovereign bonds ebbed as investors gauge the outlook for growth. The dollar steadied after a three-day gain.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index is heading for an 8.6% advance for the quarter, recouping the bulk of the fourth-quarter sell-off, though initial gains on Friday eased. Chinese shares posted the biggest gains, with the Shanghai gauge up 2.4%.
Equities also climbed in Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea. US equity futures edged higher. Australian bonds tracked modest declines overnight in Treasuries. Meantime, US-China trade talks are set to continue Friday in Beijing, though negotiations may be prolonged.
Elsewhere, oil recouped losses that had been triggered by President Donald Trump saying that OPEC should lift crude production. The Turkish lira earlier sank despite an organized effort to stem losses days before elections. The pound is at the low end of its recent range ahead of another Brexit vote looming in the UK Parliament.
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