Shares of Japanese conglomerate Hitachi closed over 10% higher Friday after it announced late Thursday a partnership with OpenAI to build artificial-intelligence infrastructure and data centers globally.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 popped 832.77 points, or 1.9%, to 45,769.50.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index retreated 146.2 points, or 0.5%, to 27,190.92.
Japan’s unemployment rate rose to 2.6% in August, government data showed Friday, higher than the 2.4% expected by economists polled by Reuters and the 2.3% rate in the prior month.
The S&P Global Japan services purchasing managers’ index climbed to 53.3 in September from 53.1 in August, driven by stronger domestic demand amid falling new export business.
In other markets
Chinese and South Korean markets were closed for holidays.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index jumped 382.67 points, or 1.5%, to 26,761.06
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 16.74 points, or 0.4%, to 4,411.45
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 progressed 62.33 points, or 0.5%, to 13,514.09.
In Australia, the ASX 200 moved forward 41.43 points, or 0.5%, to 8,987.37
