In a well-trailed move, the Bank of Japan on Friday raised the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points, taking it to 0.5 per cent — its highest level in nearly two decades.

World shares advanced Friday after U.S. stocks rose to a record and the Bank of Japan raised its key lending rate.

Japan's central bank has raised its key interest rate to about 0.5% from 0.25%, noting that inflation is holding at a desirable target level.