TOKYO: Asian markets fluctuated on Friday as investors battled to track a rally on Wall Street that came in response to another positive read on US jobless claims while sentiment continues to be driven by inflation fears and optimism over the economic recovery.

The week was set to end on a mixed note despite data showing the number of people applying for US unemployment benefits fell for a third straight week to a new pandemic-era low, reinforcing expectations the recovery was well on track, helped by huge government and central bank support.