Nikkei Retreats from Six-Week High Amid Rate Hike Concerns

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock market index retreated from its six-week high on Friday, closing at 68,309.46 after a 0.94% decline.

The benchmark slid as investors locked in gains and turned cautious about interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical risks.

Data showed core inflation in Tokyo accelerated to its fastest pace in 10 months in September, bolstering the case for further rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.

The outlook remains positive for Japanese shares, with the BoJ's tankan survey showing sentiment among large manufacturers rose for a sixth consecutive quarter.