Asian markets were mostly higher Friday, but lagging Wall Street's rise after some solid gains earlier in the week. Higher commodity prices also supported mining and energy-related stocks in Asia, though investors were reluctant to take big bets on increasingly expensive shares until more evidence emerged of a sustained recovery.

Concerns that rising bond yields, pointing to higher borrowing costs, could hamper the economic recession eased, as U.S. Treasuries rebounded after an auction of new notes saw yields move lower. Data showed a rise in U.S. durable goods orders, reinforcing hopes the economic slump is easing.