TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares mostly rose Friday despite worries about the economic outlook and inflation in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
The Bank of Japan ended a policy meeting with no major changes, keeping its benchmark interest rate in a range of 0 to 0.1%. In March, it raised the key rate from minus 0.1%, citing signs that inflation had reached the central bank’s target of about 2%.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 added 0.8% to 37,934.76, while the U.S. dollar edged up to 156.22 Japanese yen from 155.58 yen.
Although a weak yen is a boon for giant Japanese exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp., whose overseas earnings are boosted when converted into yen, some Japanese officials, including Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, have been raising concern that an overly weak currency is not good for the Japanese economy in the long run.
4 die in fiery crash as Pennsylvania police pursued their vehicle
China take three golds at Badminton Asia Championships
Celebrity birthdays for the week of April 21
Impeachment articles against Mayorkas to be sent to Senate
Paris crowns a new king of the crusty baguette in its annual bread
Teixeira brace sees Shanghai go top in CSL
Messi sidelined for Argentina friendlies with injury
Bears banking on Caleb Williams after taking the 2022 Heisman winner with No. 1 pick in NFL draft
Tourism featuring ASEAN cultures heats up in border region