Global markets opened the week higher as Asian stocks climbed and oil prices slipped, with investors assessing the fallout from political upheaval in Venezuela. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index hit a record high, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped over 3%, alongside strong gains in South Korea and Taiwan.

Following a sharp selloff earlier in the week, risk appetite returned, and cautious remarks on interest rate hikes made by a powerful Bank of Japan policymaker helped to strengthen mood. As a result, U.S. stock index futures increased on Wednesday, News.az reports citing Investing .