Asian Markets Rise on Friday

Hong Kong markets led gains, with Japan's Nikkei 225 reaching a 34-year high.

"Asia's Market Rally: Hong Kong Leads the Way"

Japan lost its spot as the third-largest global economy to Germany and reported a technical recession.

The economic slowdown in Japan has raised hopes for the country to stick with its ultra-loose monetary policy.

Other Asia-Pacific markets rose, with the S&P 500 notching a new record high.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 2.41%, while mainland Chinese markets remain closed.

 In the U.S., all three major indexes ended trading session in positive territory. 

 In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.69% to close at 7,658.3.