Global Stocks: U.S. stock indices advanced

U.S. stock indices rose on Friday as stronger-than-expected jobs data supported expectations of an interest rate hike later in December. Nevertheless stocks of energy companies fell amid declines in oil prices after OPEC decided to maintain output. Some analysts also said stocks were partly supported by speculation that a selloff in the previous session might have been excessive.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 369.96 points, or 2.1%, to 17,847.63 (+0.3% over the week). The S&P 500 rallied 41.97 points, or 2.05%, to 2,091.60 (flat over the week). The Nasdaq Composite gained 104.74 points, or 2.1% to 5,142.27 (+0.3% over the week).

The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Friday that the U.S. economy created 211,000 jobs in November compared to expectations for a 200,000 gain. October data were revised up. The unemployment rate remained at 5% in line with expectations.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng rose 0.28%, or 61.66, to 22,297.55. China Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.17%, or 5.84, to 3.530.83. The Nikkei jumped 1.18%, or 230.53, to 19,735.01.

Asian indices traded higher on gains in U.S. equities. Chinese markets are preparing for important data this week such as inflation, industrial production and retail sales.

A weaker yen supported stocks of Japanese exporters.