Asia-Pacific markets set to open mixed as Fed rate-cut hopes dim after strong U.S. jobs data

Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed Thursday after stronger-than-expected U.S. payrolls data dampened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.42% in early trade.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures were at 27,206, lower than the HSI’s last close of 27,266.38.

Japan’s markets are set to open higher, resuming trade after a holiday. Japan’s Nikkei 225

futures pointed to a stronger open. The Chicago contract stood at 58,130 while its Osaka counterpart was at 58,160, compared with the index’s previous close of 57,650.54.