US stocks have opened higher as investors cheered signs suggesting the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year after all.
All 11 sectors fared well on the last day of the ASX trading week, with several companies reaching record highs across the day.
The ASX200 closed the day 0.6 per cent higher, with all sectors gaining ground, to finish the week 0.7 per cent higher.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan has risen 1.5 per cent and is set for a second straight week of gains.
US stocks have closed higher as investors digested comments from Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
Australian shares notched a tepid bounce on Thursday following some dovish rhetoric from the US Fed and positive sentiment around half-year results from NAB.
The ASX200 has finished 0.2 per cent higher as investors took a dovish view of the Federal Reserve chairman's comments on interest rates.
Despite the decline in earnings, freshly minted NAB boss Andrew Irvine hinted that the competitive home loan market was easing.
US stocks closed subdued by news the Fed will keep rates on hold after disappointing inflation figures.
The chief executive of 7-Eleven has hinted at some big changes to the renowned brand, with a Japanese influence on the cards.
Global markets closed with eyes towards the US, as the Federal Reserve prepares to make its rates decision.
Aussie shares slumped on the first day of the new month as anxieties mount about US inflation and interest rates.
Stronger-than-expected US wage data has again pushed back expectations for when the Federal Reserve might begin trimming interest rates.
US stocks have opened lower as investors prepare for the next interest rate decision from the country's central bank.
Aussie stocks edged higher on Tuesday after a slump in retail sales pushed back fears of impending rate hikes.
The ASX200 has finished higher as a drop in retail sales in March reduced the odds the Reserve Bank might hike interest rates again.
US stocks have closed higher as investors digested more quarterly earnings from companies.
While bond traders have sharply revised their interest rate bets, equity investors appear unconvinced that a resumption in hikes is likely.
Markets in Asia have started strong ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting where members are expected to keep interest rates on hold .
The ASX200 has finished up 0.8 per cent, with every sector rising on the back of a tech-led rally on Wall Street.