Asian stocks gain, dollar at two-year high as United States rates, Trump in focus
By Ankur Banerjee SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Asian stocks increased on Friday, intending to brush off a lacklustre start to 2025, while the dollar was consistent near a two-year high versus a basket of currencies as financiers worry about U.S. rates remaining greater for longer. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.38% greater, with South Korean shares leading the charge. Still, the index, which acquired almost 8% in 2024, was on course for an almost 1% drop for the week. Japan markets are closed for the week. China stocks had a hard time to recuperate on Friday after plunging on Thursday, highlighting growing stress over China's economy and a possible trade war when Donald Trump starts his U.S. presidency later on this month. China's blue-chip CSI 300 Index was 0.21...