Asia-Pacific stocks set to rise ahead of key U.S. jobs report
Investors in Asia-Pacific markets are optimistic and expect a rise as they anticipate the release of significant U.S. jobs data.
This is CNBC's live blog providing updates on Asia-Pacific markets.
Investors in Asia-Pacific markets are expecting a rise as they await U.S. jobs data, which could influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 is trading 0.13% higher in its first hour of trade.
The Nikkei 225 in Japan is expected to open higher, with futures contracts in Chicago and Osaka indicating a positive start.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is also looking at a climb, with futures pointing to a higher opening.
China's markets remain closed for a weeklong holiday.
In the U.S., all three major indexes experienced slight declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 9.98 points, the S&P 500 dipped 0.13%, and the Nasdaq Composite traded down 0.12%.
Natural gas prices surged by 7.3% after data from the Energy Information Administration showed higher inventories and increased exports.
Gold prices reached their lowest level since March, falling about 2% for the week.
Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, suggests that if the decline in oil prices continues, OPEC may intervene to stabilize the market. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 1.7% in morning trading.