Asian share markets followed Wall Street higher after a soft US jobs report. Oil prices increased slightly due to stalled Gulf peace talks and shipping lane concerns. Investors anticipate US inflation data, which could influence Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. Strong corporate earnings, particularly in AI, boosted Nasdaq futures last week. Bond yields saw a slight rise as markets prepared for new debt issuance.

After bouts of volatility sparked by concerns over the durability of the AI-driven rally, investors are now squarely focused on the U.S. payrolls report due later in the day,…

Brent crude added 0.9 per cent to US$84.32 a barrel as shipping through the vital waterway remained at a trickle, while US crude rose 0.7 per cent to US$78.74 a barrel.