Asia-Pacific stocks trade mixed ahead of key U.S. jobs report
Asia-Pacific markets had a mixed trading session as investors awaited the release of important U.S. jobs data.
This is CNBC's live blog providing updates on Asia-Pacific markets.
The Asia-Pacific markets had a mixed performance as investors await the U.S. jobs data, which could impact the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.24%, while South Korea's Kospi increased by 0.53% and the Kosdaq by 0.98% in the first hour of trading. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 and Topix both declined by 0.14% and 0.09% respectively. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is expected to rise, with futures at 17,344 compared to the previous close of 17,213.87. China's markets remain closed for the weeklong holiday.
In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 9.98 points, or 0.03%, to close at 33,119.57. The S&P 500 dipped 0.13% to 4,258.19, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.12% to end at 13,219.83.
Natural gas futures surged by 7.3% after data from the Energy Information Administration revealed that domestic gas inventories were above the five-year average for this time of the year. Additionally, federal data showed that the U.S. exported more natural gas in the first half of 2023 than in any previous year, with an average of 20.4 billion cubic feet per day.
Gold prices reached their lowest level since March, falling to $1,826.20. This marks a 2% decline for the week, putting gold on track for its third consecutive losing week.
Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, suggested that if the decline in oil prices continues, OPEC may intervene. She stated that OPEC is different from 2015 and could potentially make clear statements about coming back in if there is a sharp sell-off that pushes prices into the 70s. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 1.7% at $82.78 per barrel.