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Asian stocks wobbled and risk-sensitive currencies in the region sagged on Friday as investors bet inflation will prompt U.S. rate rises next year, even with the new Omicron coronavirus variant casting a cloud over the outlook.

South Korean stocks led gains among emerging markets on Friday as investor concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant abated slightly, although regional currencies were subdued after more hawkish remarks from U.S. central bankers.

Japan's Nikkei share average is set to reach 31,000 by June next year, underpinned by a solid Japanese corporate outlook, but potential U.S. interest rate increases and new coronavirus variants pose risks, a Reuters poll showed.

Investors on either side of the Atlantic have different appetites for food delivery companies. That’s one explanation for the valuation gap between DoorDash and Just Eat Takeaway.com . The rivals have similar revenue and growth prospects, but the U.S. group’s $57 billion market capitalisation is four times that of its European rival. As each pushes into the other’s home market , the divergence is unlikely to last.

Physical gold demand in major Asian hubs rose this week, benefiting from a continued retreat in prices and a seasonal uptick, while Indian jewellers awaited for a further slide before stocking up.

U.S. employers likely stepped up hiring in November as they scrambled to meet strong demand for goods and services, giving the economy a strong boost as another challenging year draws to a close, though worker shortages remained a constraint.

U.S. natural gas futures gained 3% on Friday from a three-month low the previous session on forecasts for cooler weather than expected and higher heating demand in the next two weeks, rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and a small fall in output.

The Ugandan shilling was stable on Friday with demand from large buyers of hard currency like energy and telecoms firms muted, traders said.

Canada's main stock index opened higher on Friday, aided by energy stocks as oil prices jumped nearly 3%, with upbeat earnings from Bank of Montreal further boosting sentiment.

The story had a bombshell headline: “Thousands of fake votes” had been discovered in Madison, Wisconsin, two weeks after Democrat Joe Biden narrowly beat then-President Donald Trump in the state.