"Investors will be comfortable the recovery in the U.S. this time around has a better chance of surviving and thriving"
- Prasad Patkar, a fund manager at Platypus Asset Management Ltd.
Japanese stocks rose for a third consecutive day on Friday after a report showed U.S. unemployment claims remained unchanged at 351 thousand, a sign the U.S. economy is on the rebound.
The Nikkei 225 edged higher 0.54%, or 51.81 points, to 9,647.38. The broader Topix gained 0.60%, or 4.94, to 834.29.
"Investors will be comfortable the recovery in the U.S. this time around has a better chance of surviving and thriving," said Prasad Patkar, a fund manager at Platypus Asset Management Ltd. in Sydney.
"Improved risk appetite economic fundamentals will create a catalyst that's been lacking despite attractive valuations."
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