SHANGHAI (Reuters) -A key gauge of Asian shares rose on Friday, supported by gains in China and a decision by the European Central Bank to maintain stimulus, while investors largely shrugged off the impact of a possible U.S. capital gains tax hike.

Oil prices rose on Friday on hopes of a fuel demand recovery in the United States and Europe as economic growth picks up and lockdowns ease, but worries about India's raging second wave of COVID-19 cases kept a lid on gains.

TOKYO, April 23 (Reuters) - Japan’s factory activity expanded at the fastest pace in more than three years in April, a private business survey showed on Friday, even as expected coronavirus emergency measures clouded the outlook for the world’s third-largest economy.

TOKYO — Oil prices fell for a third day on Thursday as a surprise build in U.S. crude inventories and a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in India and Japan raised concerns that a recovery in global economy and fuel demand may slow.

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was pinned near multi-week lows against most major currencies on Thursday as fading gains in U.S. Treasury yields reduced the greenback’s interest rate advantage.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Asian stocks rose on Thursday, extending a rebound in global markets following a sharp selloff earlier this week, while oil prices eased again on worries about rising COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world.