Asian Stocks Mostly Higher Amid Job Report Anticipation

Asian markets trade mostly higher as traders await the US jobs report for interest rate cues. Key stock movements include declines in Japanese exporters, while Domino's Pizza soars after store closures. This mixed sentiment could lead to cautious trading ahead.

Date: 07-02-2025

AI Rating: 6

Market Sentiment Overview
Asian stock markets showed a generally higher trend, with traders appearing cautious preemptively before the release of the US jobs report, a significant indicator that often impacts interest rates and broader market behavior. The focus on upcoming jobs data indicates investor sentiment around economic strength and potential Federal Reserve actions.

Key Stock Movements
The report highlights a notable rise in stocks such as Domino's Pizza, which jumped over 22% following the closure of 205 loss-making stores. This strategic decision may improve profitability and operational efficiency, thus benefitting long-term investors. Conversely, declines in other sectors like energy stocks and Japanese exporters, particularly SoftBank and Toyota, suggest concerns about market stability and export competitiveness.

Household Spending in Japan
Positive economic indicators also surfaced regarding household spending in Japan, which rose by 2.3% month-on-month, outperforming expectations. Such growth might encourage consumer-driven stocks in the region, but the broader implications on exporters are less favorable as they continue to face declines in stock prices.

Stocks: BHP RIO FMG DBI NIK ADBE SBUX TPX