SYDNEY: Asian shares were headed for weekly gains on Friday on hopes of further rate cuts around the world, while the Nikkei retreated from record highs after the Bank of Japan flagged a further unwinding of its massive stimulus policies.
The BOJ maintained short-term interest rates at 0.5% on Friday, as widely expected, but two members voted for a hike. It also decided to start selling its vast holdings of exchange-traded funds (ETF) and real-estate investment trusts (REIT).
