MSCI's equivalent regional index that removes Japan rose 0.64%.
The tension between world powers over the Ukraine situation, which has developed into one of the deepest crises in East-West relations for decades, has been front-and-centre of investors' minds.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.4% in early regional trade after stock markets in the United States and Europe lost ground on Monday.
World bond yields continued to ease from multi-year highs
Investors across asset classes are devoting considerable thought to the pace and timing of interest rate hikes by central banks across the world.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.2% after sliding 2.26% on Thursday
In its latest policy update on Wednesday, the Fed indicated it is likely to raise U.S. interest rates in March
By Andrew Galbraith
Asian share markets broke a five-day slide to edge higher on Thursday, shrugging off drops in Europe and on Wall Street overnight
Asia's share markets struggled on Wednesday as US Treasury yields hit fresh two-year highs
Asian share markets were choppy on Monday as a slew of Chinese economic data confirmed the deadening effect of coronavirus restrictions
The threat of the omicron variant is becoming real for many of Asia's biggest countries just as it looks set to subside in some Western nations
Powell is seeking a second four-year term as head of the Fed, and his appearance before the committee will be followed by a hearing with vice chair nominee Lael Brainard on Thursday
Asian share markets were muted on Monday as investors count down to another US inflation reading that could well set the seal on an early rate hike from the Federal Reserve
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asian stocks were firmer on Tuesday following Wall Street's record highs on its first trading day of 2022, despite worries that the widespread Omicron COVID-19 variant could put the brakes on global economic recovery.
Much of Asia has yet to see surges in infections of the omicron variant already playing out in other parts of the world, but experts are warning the region likely won't be spared
Benchmarks fell in Shanghai, Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul. Taiwan and India were higher. Many global markets are closed for holidays
European markets were also heading towards a positive open, with pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.45% and FTSE futures 0.45% higher.
Asian share markets were broadly up on Wednesday as the risk appetite of global investors rises heading into year-end
Beijing lightened the mood a little by cutting one-year loan rates for the frost time in 20 months, though some had hoped for an easing in five-year rates as well.