Japanese stocks are leading gains in world markets after Wall Street close to its record heights as data showed the U.S. economy is holding up better than expected.

U.S. stocks have staged a remarkable rebound from their early-August losses, with all three major U.S. barometers heading for their best weeks since Nov. 3, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The Dow was up 1065.52 points, or 2.7%, this week to 40,563.06.

Stocks rose after data showed the U.S. economy is holding up better than expected, with particular credit going to the country's shoppers.