SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Asian markets advanced Friday on the back of Wall Street's rally after upbeat economic figures revived confidence about the state of the US economy.

Every major market turned higher, with Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average up 0.7 percent to 9,782 and Hong Kong's index gaining 1.7 percent to 21,841. South Korea's benchmark rose 1.1 percent to 1,569.50.

Markets in Australia, India, Singapore and Indonesia also rose.

Asian stocks are sensitive to movements in the US – the world's biggest economy and a key trading partner for the region – and often follow big swings on Wall Street.

Thursday's spark was news from the US government that recently laid off workers seeking jobless benefits fell last week to the lowest level since January, comforting investors ahead of a key monthly jobs report due Friday. Signs US retail sales were on the rise also helped relieve worries about the health of American consumers that have dogged investors in recent months.

In New York, the Dow Jones index rose 203.82, or 2.1 percent, to 10,005.96, its first close above 10,000 since Oct. 22 and marking the biggest advance in nearly four months.

The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index added 20.13, or 1.9 percent, to 1,066.63.

Crude prices rose in Asia as the surge in stock markets boosted oil investors' appetite for risk. Benchmark crude for December delivery was up 47 cents to $80.09 a barrel; the contract fell 78 cents overnight.