As Attention Turns to Important Jobs Data, Asian Shares Rise – Asia Market Wrap

Prior to the release of important US jobs data on Friday, stocks in Asia increased on Jerome Powell’s confirmation that rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are expected this year.

Benchmarks increased from Australia to South Korea and Japan, with the Topix index rising as much as 1.7% and approaching its highest point in nearly two weeks. Due to a holiday, markets are closed in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Chinese mainland.

US market futures saw a rise in Asian trade subsequent to Wednesday’s moderate gains on Wall Street.