Japan stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors led shares higher.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Friday put currency traders on notice, saying the government stands ready to act against speculative moves in foreign exchange markets as volatility has risen "significantly."

Asian currencies traded in tight ranges on Friday as investors remained on edge amid talks of escalation in the Middle East conflict, while thin liquidity due to the Good Friday holiday kept moves subdued.

U.S. oil prices settled more than 11% higher and Brent soared nearly 8% on Thursday in volatile trading, as traders worried about prolonged disruptions to oil supply the day after President Donald Trump said the United States would continue attacks on Iran.

The U.S. dollar rose on Thursday, boosted by its status as a safe haven asset after President Donald Trump signaled further escalation in the U.S. operation against Iran.

The United Arab Emirates’ non-oil private sector activity expanded at its weakest pace in nearly four years in March as the Middle East conflict hit demand and disrupted supply chains, a business survey showed on Friday.