Asian stocks ended mostly higher on Friday after U.S. stocks rose for a second consecutive session overnight on easing geopolitical and trade tensions between the United States and Europe.
Lingering uncertainty about U.S. policy weighed on the dollar, helping lift gold prices to a record high above $4,950 an ounce.
Oil edged up as U.S. President Trump's comments about U.S. naval movements toward Iran reignited concerns over potential conflict escalation and supply disruptions in global markets.
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Business News
June 19, 2026 16:46 ET Major central banks continued to dominate the economic news flow this week too, led by the Federal Reserve, as they announced their latest policy decisions. The Federal Reserve policy session was in focus as it was the first to be led by the new chief Kevin Warsh. In Europe, central banks of the U.K. and Switzerland announced their rate decisions. In Asia, the Bank of Japan drew attention for its policy moves, while data out of China threw some light on the state of the economy.