Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher Friday, with investors assessing prospects of electric vehicle companies after China's Xiaomi unveiled its first EV.
Since last week, the S&P 500 has captured the limelight. It's now less than 0.5% away from its record high. But its creep to the peak is tantalizingly slow.
Australia stocks kicked off Thursday on a positive note, hovering near two-year highs, while Japan shares fell at the open after rallying the day before.