U.S. futures were little changed and oil prices wobbled lower after gaining more than 3% on Thursday.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index closed at a 33-year high after the Bank of Japan wrapped up a policy meeting by keeping its ultra-lax monetary stance unchanged, as expected. It is a standout among central banks, most of which have sought to rein in inflation by raising interest rates. Share prices in Japan have been trading around their highest level in more than 30 years, while the Japanese yen has weakened against the dollar and other major currencies -- reflecting the gap in interest rates in Japan and elsewhere.
"It seems China's policymakers have had enough and are unwilling to sit idle and watch consumer sentiment crumble," Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary. "The leadership is planning major steps to revive the country's flagging economy, including the possibility of billions of dollars in new infrastructure spending and looser rules to encourage property investors to buy more homes.
A report showed sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly strengthened last month, suggesting spending by consumers is holding up despite higher interest rates on credit cards and other borrowing. Economists were forecasting a drop.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
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