0521 GMT — Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 closed 1.1% higher at 6978.2, completing its strongest weekly gain since early September amid easing interest-rate worries. Ten of 11 sectors finished higher Friday, with only the energy sector losing ground amid weakness in shares of coal miners. The financial sector, which accounts for more than 25% of the ASX 200 by market capitalization, rose 1.4% as banks ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac and NAB added between 0.9% and 1.7%. Block’s local securities surged 25% after the U.S. company set an ambitious 2024 earnings target and announced a buyback. While some local economists expect Australia’s central bank to raise the cash rate next week, the U.S. Fed’s decision to hold this week added to hopes that rates globally could be close to topping out. The ASX 200 added 2.2 across the week. ([email protected])