The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose only slightly last week after a big drop the week before, the Labor Department reported on Thursday, raising hopes that Friday's closely watched non-farm payrolls report would show improvement.

Among top miners, BHP Billiton rose 0.8 percent while rival Rio Tinto gained 1.3 percent by 0203 GMT. Newcrest Mining jumped 3 percent after the gold price soared to its highest price in 11 months.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was up 31.8 points at 4,484.2 by 0223 GMT. The benchmark has risen more than 2 percent this week.

The banking sector was mostly strong, with Westpac leading gains, up 0.3 percent at A$25.65. National Australia Bank bucked the trend, slipping 0.3 percent.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.4 percent, or 17 points, to 3,899.