Asia Stocks to Open Higher After US Notches Gains: Markets Wrap

-- Equity markets in Asia look set to open higher Friday after a stellar quarter for US stocks ended on a positive note amid speculation the Federal Reserve will be able to achieve a soft landing.While much of the Asian region including Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore is closed for holidays, markets in Japan, mainland China and South Korea are open for trading.

In Japan, traders are on alert for potential swings in the yen in the wake of a deluge of data due Friday after officials stepped up warnings this week to stem the currency’s slide. While the yen has since strengthened a little, it remains close to levels not seen in decades.Tokyo’s March consumer price index will probably show a cooler inflation print, but may still come in above the 2% level the Bank of Japan targets for nationwide inflation, according to Bloomberg Economics.

Elsewhere, gold hit a fresh all-time high, extending a weeks-long rally fueled by bets on Fed rate cuts and deepening geopolitical tensions. Oil scored a 16% quarterly gain in the latest sign that export curbs by OPEC and its allies are reining in global supplies. The S&P 500 will end the year at 5,300 as the consensus real US GDP forecast has climbed in a positive sign for stocks, according to RBC Capital Markets’ Calvasina, who raised her target from 5,150.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. narrowed its fiscal 2024 guidance citing a challenging retail environment, including reduced consumer spending. Estee Lauder Cos. was raised to buy at Bank of America Corp., which said the company’s earnings have now bottomed.Good Friday. Exchanges closed in US and many other countries in observance of holiday. US federal government is openUS personal income and spending, PCE deflator, FridayThe offshore yuan was little changed at 7.2619 per dollarSpot gold rose 1.6% to $2,229.

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