Created: 11/6/2009 7:09:43 AM 
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 U.S. economy.
Every major market turned higher. Asian stocks are sensitive to movements in the U.S. -- the world's biggest economy and a key trading partner for the region -- and often follow big swings on Wall Street.
Today's spark was news from the U.S. 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 today.
Signs U.S. retail sales were on the rise also helped relieve worries about the health of American consumers that have dogged investors in recent months.
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