Sydney — Asian shares rallied and the safe-haven yen eased on Friday after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered to stop nuclear and missile testing and US President Donald Trump agreed to a meeting that could come before May. South Korea’s national security adviser made the announcement at the White House, after delivering a letter from Kim. Trump’s aides have been wary of North Korea’s diplomatic overtures because of its history of reneging on international commitments. Indeed, an air of caution set in as the day progressed and investors booked profits on the sharp early gains. Japan’s Nikkei was last 0.9% firmer, having been up more than 2% at one stage. South Korean stocks were still 1.5% higher and enjoying one of their best days since May. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.6%, while Australia firmed 0.4%. E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 went flat as investors looked ahead to US payrolls data later in the session. The mood had already brightened...
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