Asian shares hover near record high, Bitcoin soars

Asian shares subdued on Friday trade, ending near their record high amid mixed U.S. economic data causing investors to hold back. On the winning side, Bitcoin reached $49,000, its highest level ever, before closing at $48,282.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.03%, closing near its highest peak recorded in the previous session. Australian shares lowered 0.31%. Shares in Tokyo also eased, dropping 0.32% after reaching their 30-year highs.

S&P 500 futures fell 0.12%.

Chinese markets, as well as most Southeast Asian markets, are closed on Friday for the Lunar New Year holiday.

U.S. weekly unemployment claims declined less than expected and core consumer prices increased at a slower pace, causing some traders to pull back from an optimistic economic outlook.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin reached its highest level at $49,000 but closed at $48,282 for a 0.57% gain.