HONG KONG: Asian stock markets were mixed Friday, with Tokyo’s main index rising after Japanese traders shrugged off data showing inflation slowing in December and household spending falling. Tokyo’s gains were in line with a broad rally on Wall Street the day before, after the Federal Reserve signalled that growth and jobs in the world’s top economy remained robust and a raft of generally solid US corporate earnings. The benchmark Nikkei-225 index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose 0.39 percent, or 68.17 points, to 17,674.39 at the close, with traders buoyed by a weaker yen, which boosts Japanese exporters.The Shanghai Composite index fell 1.10 percent in the afternoon in Asia while Hong Kong traded flat. Sydney gained 18.82 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 5,588.3 while Seoul finished flat, closing down 1.76 points at 1,949.26. while Hong Kong traded flat. Sydney gained 18.82 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 5,588.3 while Seoul finished flat, closing down 1.76 points at 1,949.26.
