Asian markets aim for a strong end to a positive week, with MSCI Asia ex-Japan stock index on track for a sixth consecutive rise.

Asian markets remain upbeat, aiming for a strong end to a positive week with no obvious reasons for a reversal unless investors profit-take ahead of the weekend. China's upcoming data dump could set the market tone. MSCI Asia ex-Japan stock index looks at a sixth consecutive rise, marking its best run since January last year. Wall Street ended lower, but the Dow Jones hit 40,000 for the first time.