Asian Stocks Mostly Higher After Powell Signals Rate Cuts; Taiwan Quake Disrupts Chip Output

• Asian equities rose after Powell reaffirmed likely rate cuts this year

• Australian, Japanese stocks advanced; Hong Kong, China, Taiwan markets closed for holiday

• US equity futures edged up after indexes rose Wednesday, supported by Powell comments

• Gold held near fresh record over $2,300/ounce, rally aided by potential Fed rate cuts

• Investors assessing impact of Taiwan earthquake which killed 9 and disrupted chip production