SINGAPORE: Asian shares rose to a four-month high on Friday as US economic data stoked expectations that the Federal Reserve is near the end of its rate-hike campaign, while the yen fell after the Bank of Japan maintained its ultra-easy monetary policy.: MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.4% higher and on course for 2.5% gain in the week, its best weekly performance since January. But futures indicated European markets were set for a more subdued start, with the Eurostoxx 50 futures down 0.09%, German DAX futures down 0.04% and FTSE futures down 0.03%. E-mini futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.22%. The BOJ rounded up a central bank heavy week, keeping its pledge to “patiently” sustain massive stimulus to ensure Japan sustainably achieves its 2% inflation target accompanied by wage hikes. Web Desk
