Stocks in Asia rise ahead of the US-China trade talks expected this weekend.

US equity index futures edge higher following Wall Street's risk-on mood Thursday.

Meanwhile, banks and brokers are seeing rising demand for currency derivatives that bypass the dollar. Some of Asia's richest families are cutting exposure to US assets.

Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 threshold for the first time since February, fueled by expectations of easing global trade tensions. Meanwhile, stocks rose after Trump said people should “go out and buy stock” ahead of the China trade talks. Bonds fell, adding to the risk-on tone.

The US said it's developing a fast-track process for screening foreign investments in the US, an effort Trump administration officials expect could smooth the way for billions from wealth funds in the Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first Roman Catholic pontiff from the US. He is seen as a possible bridge between the more moderate and hard-line sides of a divided Church.