Asian shares to end big central bank week with gains, Nikkei hits record

By Stella Qiu

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Asian shares are set to end a big central week in positive territory, buoyed by hopes of more monetary stimulus around the world, while the Nikkei notched a record aided by expectations the Bank of Japan would again skip a rate hike.

This week, central banks in the United States, Canada and Norway cut interest rates while the Bank of England held steady. The Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep its easy monetary policy unchanged on Friday amid domestic political uncertainties.

“With the past week’s central banks decisions in the rear-view mirror, it’s clear that no one’s been comfortable to surprise,” said James Rossiter, head of global macro strategy at TD Securities.

“Ongoing uncertainty is clearly cutting policymakers’ risk appetites, though we e