Australia

Australian shares are set to open higher, after US benchmarks mostly rose.

ASX futures were up 1.21% or 100 points as of 8:30am on Friday, suggesting a higher open.

Robust corporate results add to Trump euphoria to extend post-election gains for U.S. stocks. The new administration's policies remain unclear, but the prospect of tax cuts and trade tariffs triggers a risk-on mood. Meanwhile, the Fed reduces the pace of rate cuts to 25 from 50 basis points, as expected, leaving the door open for future easing. Treasury yields and the dollar weaken. Technology company Epam Systems leads the S&P, rising 15% on better-than-expected 3Q results and raised guidance. Athletic wear supplier Under Armour gains 27% on strong results and improved outlook. Nasdaq rises 1.5% to 19269, the S&P gains 0.7% to 5973 and the DJIA closes unchanged at 43729.

In commodity markets, Brent crude oil was up 0.7% to US$75.42 a barrel, while gold was up 1.8% to US$2,707.63.

Asia

Chinese shares closed higher. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 2.6% to 3,470.66, and the Shenzhen Composite Index added 2.5% to 2,100.71.

Hong Kong shares ended higher. The benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 2.0% to 20,953.34.

Japanese shares closed lower. The Nikkei Stock Average lost 0.3% to 39,381.41.

India shares ended lower. The BSE SENSEX fell 1.0% to 79,541.79.

Europe

Stocks in the U.K. finished lower. The FTSE 100 Index dropped 0.3% to 8,140.74.

In Europe, shares closed higher. Germany's DAX increased 1.7% to 19,362.52, and France's CAC 40 rose 0.8% to 7,425.60.

North America

U.S. stocks ended mixed. The DJIA MOVEMENT was unchanged at 43,729.34, the S&P 500 rose 0.7% to 5,973.10, and the Nasdaq added 1.5% to 19,269.46.

Among S&P 500 companies, the top three gainers were EPAM Systems Inc, surging 14.91%, Viatris Inc jumped 13.52%, and Super Micro Computer Inc lifted 12.20%.

The biggest decliners were Match Group Inc which dropped 17.87%, APA Corp fell 11.32%, and CVS Health Corp lost 7.37%.