MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Most Asian stock indexes rose on Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street following a topsy-turvy trading day.

U.S. futures were nearly flat, while oil prices were higher.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.8% to 48,069.71 as investor sentiment was lifted by a strong start to the earnings season and expectations of U.S. rate cuts.

Japan’s core machinery orders, excluding ships and electric power, fell 0.9% month-on-month in August, missing market expectations for a 0.4% gain but showing marked improvement from a 4.6% drop in July, according to data released Thursday.

South Korea’s Kospi surged to a record high, adding 1.8% to 3,722.67 on buying of tech and auto stocks that was spurred by expectations that the U.S. and Korea are getting closer to a deal on tariffs on Ko

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