Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index gained 0.3% to 40,074.87 after the central bank raised its benchmark rate to about 0.5% from 0.25%, as widely expected. It is the highest level for the rate since 2008, as the Bank of Japan shifts out of a long spell of extreme low interest rates meant to spur more borrowing and spending.

Owners registered 47,917 mortgages on various properties in 2024, the least since Centaline Property began tracking the data in 2000.

Hong Kong stocks rose to an almost two-week high as slower growth in US consumer prices bolstered the case for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, while investors wait for fourth-quarter economic data that may show a stronger recovery in China.

Asian markets rose Friday (Jan 24) after a record day on Wall Street in response to Donald Trump's tax-cut pledge, while the yen weakened slightly ahead of an expected interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan later in the day.

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday followed Wall Street’s mostly positive performance ahead of key U.S. inflation data that could influence the pace of market-boosting rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. U.S. futures and oil prices were little changed. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index edged 0.1% higher to 38,505.54.

Massachusetts Senator Peter Durant wants the state to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve amid global clamor for the coin.

The bank halted its government bond purchases Friday in an attempt to slow a one-way bonds trade that’s put unwanted downward pressure on the yuan, analysts say.

The Hang Seng in Hong Kong added 0.2% to 19,264.46 after ... The fear is that all the strong data will convince the Federal Reserve to deliver less relief this year through lower interest rates.

Global shares rose on Friday buoyed by the prospect of lower U.S. interest rates and a U.S.-China trade deal following comments from President Donald Trump, while the yen was choppy after the Bank of Japan delivered a widely expected rate hike.

Hong Kong's home prices fell 0.7% in December and 7.1% in 2024, government figures showed, as the property market struggles to find a bottom despite interest rate cuts and government support measures.

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an order prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies and directing the government to combat such practices in the private sector. The sweeping order revokes several ...