SINGAPORE – Asian stocks inched higher on Friday as weak factory activity data from China stoked expectations of fresh stimulus, even as strong U.S. economic data bolstered the view that the Federal Reserve will stay hawkish for longer. The yen remained fragile after hitting the psychologically important barrier of 145 per dollar , fueling intervention worries as Japan's Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki issued a another warning against excessive weakening of the currency. Futures indicated European stocks were set for a higher open, with Eurostoxx 50 futures up 0.

https://business.inquirer.net/407895/asia-shares-steady-as-weak-china-data-fuel-stimulus-hopes-yen-frail

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