By Julie Zhu

(Reuters) – Asian stock markets recovered some of the sharp losses that they sustained in Friday’s previous session. U.S. Fed comments were hawkish, but U.S. markets managed to limit further falls. Supported by a robust economy and high earnings at Apple Inc.

U.S. stock options rose in Asia, up 1.2% and down 0.8% following Thursday’s announcement by Apple that it had reported record holiday quarter sales. These figures beat estimates. After-hours trading saw Apple shares (NASDAQ 🙂 rise by more than 5%

After sliding by 2.26% Thursday, MSCI’s largest index of Asia-Pacific shares was up 0.2%. It is currently at 5.1%.

Australian stocks rose 1.16 percent, and the stock index increased 1.49%

China equities rose Friday, with China’s blue chip CSI300 index 0.2% higher. Hong Kong had a 0.41% decline.

Wall Street saw U.S. stock decline after an opening that was solid. Investors juggled mixed economic news, geopolitical turmoil, and the possibility of a Federal Reserve more hawkish with positive economic information.

They fell by 0.02% and 0.54% respectively, while the decreased 1.4%.

The Commerce Department had an advance take of fourth-quarter GDP, which showed that U.S. economies grew at 6.9% in 2021. That was the highest rate for nearly 40 years.

Gains were tempered as investors thought about how Fed’s thoughts might be influenced by strong economic growth.

The Fed’s latest policy update was published Wednesday. It indicated that it is likely to increase rates in March as expected and reiterated its plans to stop its pandemic-era bond buying in March before initiating a substantial reduction in its assets holdings.

However, the prospect of U.S. rate increases that are faster or more aggressive than expected helped drive dollar to its highest week in seven years. Close to the Jan. 4, 2017 high of 116.34, 0.1% was gained by the dollar against yen at 115.45.

As it built upon its FOMC gains, the USD overcame resistance overnight. CBA analysts stated that the USD was supported by generally better-than expected U.S. data in a note.

Benchmark’s yield rose to 1.81555%, compared to its U.S. counterpart of 1.808% Thursday. Two-year yields rise as traders expect higher Fed funds rates. It reached 1.1981%, versus a U.S. closing of 1.192%.

The barrel price climbed 0.67%, to $87.19 per barrel. The average barrel cost $89.34

The oil price of crude oil reached its highest level in seven years earlier this week, due to the persistent tension between Russia & Ukraine.

It fell slightly. Gold was sold at $1796.06 an ounce [GOL/]