Shanghai — A key gauge of Asian shares rose on Friday, supported by gains in China and a decision by the European Central Bank (ECB) to maintain stimulus, while investors largely shrugged off the impact of a possible US capital gains tax hike.

Modestly firmer equity markets contrasted with ructions in cryptocurrencies as investors fretted over the impact of tax changes. Bitcoin’s rout deepened, dropping below the $50,000 level to a low of $48,338.37, its lowest level in nearly seven week. Ethereum plunged nearly 12% before trimming losses, and was last down about 7% at $2,240.65...

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