Asian markets navigate record Australian inflation and surging Japan factory data

Asian markets, led by the Australia 200, traded cautiously on Friday as investors parsed strong manufacturing data from Japan and Australia alongside cooler-than-expected inflation prints. The mixed macro signals kept risk appetite muted and limited upside for regional equities. Safe-haven gold steadied above $4,600/oz after jumping nearly 2% the prior session, reflecting investor caution. Overall, the contrast between robust industrial activity and softer inflation is producing a wait-and-see tone, likely constraining sharp directional moves in the Australia 200 and broader Asian equity indices until clearer monetary and growth signals emerge.