Japan's Nikkei 225 hits high with hope of result in US election

Japanese benchmark Nikkei 225 hit a high on Friday as investors hoped that the next president of the United States would soon be determined.

The Nikkei index reflected a relaxed reaction across Asia to the emerging outcome of the election, with the expectation that Joe Biden would likely win the presidency - in spite of President Donald Trump's accusations of fraud.

The presidential race has not yet been called because neither Trump nor Democratic nominee Biden has yet collected the requisite 270 Electoral College votes.

Biden's victories in Michigan and Wisconsin have put him in a commanding position to win the presidency, but Trump has showed no sign of giving up.