In Japan, the yen was last a touch stronger at 154.19 per dollar, having already climbed more than 1% for the week thus far.

Nomura's Rob Subbaraman discusses expectations of Bank of Japan's rate hike path including two major risks if the central bank hikes too fast or too far.

Stock Market Updates: Benchmark equity indices opened on a positive note on Friday. The BSE Sensex started at 76,889, gaining ...