Global Markets Today, Oct. 3 -- Asian markets mostly opened higher on Friday, mirroring Wall Street's rally as investors brushed aside concerns over the U.S. government shutdown.

Market participants are watching to see how long the shutdown lasts to gauge its potential economic impact, though past shutdowns in the U.S. have typically had little influence on markets.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.42 per cent at the open, while the Topix advanced 0.35 per cent. In contrast, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.17 per cent.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was expected to start slightly lower, with futures at 27,273 compared to the previous close of 27,287.12. Markets in China and South Korea remained shut for holidays.

(This is a developing story)...