2018.04.1303:41:00UTC+00Asian Stocks Mostly Rally as Trade and Geopolitical Worries Ease

Asian indexes closed mostly higher on Friday, as investor sentiment improves amid a de-escalation in recent trade and geopolitical tensions.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index edged up 0.55 percent or 118.46 points to settle at 21, 778.74, but was off an intraday peak of 21, 778.74 earlier. The broader Topix rose 0.63 percent, with financial and material stocks rising amid the weaker yen.

South Korea's Kospi increased by 0.51 percent to close at 2,455.07. Cosmetic brand stocks ended the day significantly higher, with Amorepacific ending up 3.55 percent, while technology had a mixed session.

The positive sentiment was also observed in Australia. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.23 percent to close at 5, 829.10.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index marginally rose, rising by 0.11 percent before the Asian market's close. Mainland markets ended the day lower: the Shanghai composite ended 0.65 percent to close at 3,159.39 and the Shenzhen composite edged down 0.32 percent to finish at 1, 834.38.

Investors also weighed in trade data published by China, which showed March exports in dollar terms fell 2.7 percent year-on-year, failing to meet estimates. Imports in dollar terms increased 14.4 percent, surpassing the 10 percent rise estimated by analysts. The country posted a rare trade deficit of $4.98 billion for the month.

MSCI's broad index of shares in Asia Pacific excluding Japan retained its gains, last trading higher by 0.14 percent.