S&P/ASX200 index

Asian economies, already hit by China slowdown, could be further affected if interest rate is raised.

China could maintain an annual economic growth of 7% over the next five years, Xi Jinping said.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was trading higher by 1.1%.

Caixin purchasing manager's index showed an eighth straight month of decline in China's manufacturing.

Nikkei 225 alone was up 0.78% while stocks in mainland China were flat.

The Fed, which has not increased rates since 2006, pegged its target range between 0-0.25% in December.

Nikkei 225 edges up on expectations of stimulus measures from Bank of Japan.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index is up 8.9% month-to-date as of Friday's closing.

Japan's benchmark index, the Nikkei 225 on 23 October touched its highest trading level since August end.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index after three weeks of gains was down 1.2% for the week as of Wednesday's close.

Nikkei spurts on hopes for stimulus at Bank of Japan meeting.

US retail sales and producer prices that were out on 14 October were weaker than expected.

China's imports fell in September, marking a 11th straight month of decline.

Chinese shares slump more than 3% on 7 July trading as investors remain concerned over government measures to stem price fall.