Asian equity markets advanced on Friday, buoyed by a fresh record close for the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Wall Street.

The rally reflected a broader risk-on sentiment as investors digested the latest US labor data, which showed a weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls report for June.

The Dow’s climb to 52,612 points on Thursday marked a decisive rotation into blue-chip stocks, outperforming broader US indices that opened with mixed signals.

This softness in the jobs market has reinforced expectations for a more dovish Federal Reserve stance, providing tailwinds for global equities.

The Dow’s climb to 52,612 points on Thursday marked a decisive rotation into blue-chip stocks, outperforming broader US indices that opened with mixed signals.

This divergence highlights investor hesitation in growth-heavy sectors, even as defensive and value-oriented names find support.

The momentum carried over into Asian trading sessions, where regional benchmarks followed the US lead higher.