Meanwhile, the Hang Seng Index climbed 0.50%, with Mainland China’s CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite Index rising 0.59% and 0.10%, respectively. Markets steadied after Thursday’s sell-off, triggered by reports of Beijing considering easing short-selling restrictions among other measures.
Despite risk-on sentiment, gold edged 0.10% higher to $3,549, driven by expectations of lower US interest rates.
US Stock Futures Advance Ahead of Crucial US Jobs Report
Beyond Asia, US stock futures extended gains from the Thursday session. The Nasdaq 100 E-mini rose 63 points, the S&P 500 E-mini climbed 8 points, while the Dow Jones E-mini gained 13 points.
Upbeat sentiment during morning trading lifted US stock futures as the overnight US labor market data drove demand for risk assets.
Later today, the highly anticipated US Jobs Report is expected to fuel speculation about the Fed’s policy stance going into the fourth quarter.
Outlook: US Jobs Report Takes Center Stage
Later today, the US Jobs Report could trigger market volatility. Economists forecast higher unemployment, slower wage growth, and a modest upswing in nonfarm payrolls.