Asian markets closed higher in Friday’s trade as investors reacted to US Federal Reserve head Janet Yellen comments on the second day and speculations ahead of earnings.  Asian markets closed higher in Friday’s trade as investors reacted to US Federal Reserve head Janet Yellen comments on the second day and speculations ahead of earnings.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.09%, or 19 points, to close at 20,118.   The Kospi advanced 0.2%, or 5 points, to end at 2,414.   The ASX 200 rose 0.49%, or 28 points, to close at 5,765.   Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.16% to hold near two-year highs.  The Shanghai Composite rose 0.13%, or 4 points, to close at 3,222 and the Shenzhen Composite shed 0.4%, or 7 points, to finish at 1,881.

US Fed Reserve chairwomen Janet Yellen said that achieving President Donald Trump 3% growth target would be “challenging” due to reasons related to productivity growth.   In the coming week, Asian markets are expected to pay attention to earnings from the region and out of US.