Asian stocks firmed on Friday after weak U.S. data reduced already low expectations of an interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve next week, sending the Treasury yield curve surging to its steepest level in 2-1/2 months.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS rose 0.4 percent, but was headed for a loss of 2.3 percent for the week.
Japan's Nikkei share average bounced back from three-week lows on Friday as Apple-related shares rose on strong sales of new iPhone 7 and as bank shares were bought back after heavy selling earlier this week.
The Nikkei share average rose 0.7 percent to 16,519.29, a day after it hit a three-week low, while the broader Topix gained 0.8 percent to 1,311.50.
Reference: Reuters
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