Asian stock markets rose across the board, with the Nikkei Index closing up 0.6%, and Taiwan Semiconductor's stock on the Taiwan Stock Exchange rising by 6.13%

The number of initial jobless claims in the United States last week, announced last night, fell more than expected, easing concerns about a recession in the U.S. economy and boosting investor confidence.

On Friday, Asian stock markets followed the early gains of U.S. stocks, with a slight retreat in the afternoon and closing prices rising:

○ Nikkei 225 Index opened 2% higher, fell in the afternoon, and closed up 0.6%.

○ TOPIX Index rose 0.9% to 2485.55 points.

○ KOSPI Index in Seoul, South Korea opened 1.8% higher and closed up 1.2% at 2589 points.

○ Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index closed 2.87% higher at 21469 points, with Taiwan Semiconductor up 6.13%.

○ The Japanese Yen briefly rose above 147 against the U.S. dollar, with a slight increase of 20 points during the day.

○ Nasdaq 100 Index Futures fell by 0.21%, while S&P 500 Index Futures fell by 0.21%.

[Update at 14:40]

The KOSPI Index in Seoul, South Korea, closed up 1.2%.

[Update at 14:07]

The Nikkei 225 Index closed up 0.6%. TOPIX Index rose 0.9% to 2485.55 points.

[Update at 13:50]

The Nikkei 225 Index fell in the afternoon, dropping by 0.8% at one point, now at 34765 points.

TOPIX Index fell by 0.38% to 2452.3 points.

The KOSPI Index in Seoul, South Korea, opened 1.8% higher, maintained its gains at midday, and is now at 2583 points.

The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index closed 2.87% higher at 21469 points. Taiwan Semiconductor reported sales of NT$256.95 billion in July, a 45% year-on-year increase, driving Taiwan Semiconductor's stock up by 6.13%

Nasdaq 100 index futures fell by 0.21%, while S&P 500 index futures also fell by 0.21%.

【Content in 9:16】

Nikkei 225 index and TOPIX index expanded their gains to 2%.

Seoul Composite Index in South Korea opened 1.8% higher, currently at 2589.46 points.

Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index rose by 2.51% to 21394.37 points.