Asian shares saw gains on Friday following a record high in U.S. stocks and the Bank of Japan's decision to raise its key lending rate. U.S. futures dipped slightly, and oil prices decreased after President Donald Trump urged oil-producing nations to lower crude prices, alleviating concerns about inflation. Despite Trump's mention of potentially increasing tariffs on goods from China and other countries, markets remained relatively unaffected.
The Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo rose by 0.3% to 40,074.87 after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate to approximately 0.5% from 0.25%, marking the highest level since 2008. This move signifies a shift from a prolonged period of very low interest rates aimed at stimulating borrowing and spending. Prior to this decision, government data revealed a core inflation rate of 3% year-on-year in December, surpassing the central bank's 2% target.
