In Asian trading, Japan’s benchmark surged as the yen remained weak against the U.S. dollar. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index climbed 1.8% to 40,285.25, as shares in automakers and other major exporters rose.

Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% ...