Bank of England Deputy Governor Lombardelli said the energy shock has become more persistent.

Abbott (ABT.N) said its Ultisynq lead received U.S. FDA approval and EU CE marking.

YONHAP reported Samsung Electronics closed up 4.74% at KRW 198,900 and SK Hynix rose 6.69% to KRW 1,212,000. Both stocks posted a second consecutive daily gain and are up 5.40% and 7.06% week-to-date. Their combined market capitalization returned above KRW 2,000 trillion after three trading days. YONHAP cited an overnight US tech-led rally and a sharp drop in oil prices as supporting investor sentiment.