Asian equities were mixed Tuesday as investors await US inflation data later in the week, after a jobs report suggested the Federal Reserve would likely need to continue its sharp interest rate hikes to tame runaway prices.

A rally across global markets from June lows appears to have hit the buffers after Friday's forecast-busting employment reading showed the world's top economy remained resilient but meant more monetary tightening was on the cards.

There had been a hope that recent weak data -- including one showing the economy contracted for two straight quarters -- would allow the bank to take its foot off the pedal in lifting borrowing costs, and possibly begin cutting in 2023.

Now, investors are on edge ahead of Wednesday's figures, with some observers warning that an above-estimate reading on inflation, which is already at a four-decade high, could spur another sharp market sell-off.

There is a growing expectation that central bank interest rate hikes will go too far and tip the global economy into recession.

Saira Malik, at investment manager Nuveen, told Bloomberg Television said the losses could kick in when investors realise "the Fed is not going to pivot on interest-rate hikes in early 2023, inflation should remain pretty persistent and rate hikes should continue".

Wall Street provided a glum lead as tech firms took a hit following a disappointing earnings report from chip giant Nvidia caused by lower-than-expected gaming income.

"Nvidia is one of those companies that does things right and has the majority of analysts backing their stock," said OANDA's Edward Moya, adding that its "warning is reminding traders of how severe the macro impacts might be on tech for the rest of the year".

In early exchanges, Asian equities fluctuated.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei and Manila were in the red, while Shanghai, Sydney, Wellington and Jakarta edged up.

Oil prices edged down and remain around six-month lows as recession fears mount and traders fret over the impact on demand. They are also keeping tabs on Iran nuclear talks after the European Union submitted a "final text" at talks to salvage a 2015 deal.

An agreement could open the way for Tehran to resume sales of crude on international markets, partly helping to plug a hole left by the ban of Russian exports following its invasion of Ukraine.

However, Moya added that "it seems unlikely a breakthrough will happen anytime soon. Tehran seems like they are willing to negotiate, but an imminent decision to agree to the EU's proposal seems unlikely".

- Key figures at around 0230 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 28,009.35 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.4 percent at 19,976.74

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,245.31

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0192 from $1.0194 Monday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2077 from $1.2079

Euro/pound: UP at 84.39 pence from 84.35 pence

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 134.78 yen from 134.98 yen

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.6 percent at $90.23 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.5 percent at $96.13 per barrel

New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 32,832.54 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.6 percent at 7,482.37 (close)

dan/ssy

NVIDIA

Related Links
Global Trade News

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Most Asian markets up as oil drops, eyes on Taiwan and US jobs
Hong Kong (AFP) Aug 5, 2022
Asian equities mostly rose Friday as a drop in oil prices to pre-Ukraine war levels stirred hopes of a slowdown in inflation and central bank interest rate hikes, while focus turns to key US jobs data later in the day. However, while markets have enjoyed a broadly positive week, optimism remains at a premium as traders fret over issues including the conflict in Eastern Europe, China's military drills around Taiwan and a possible global recession. Crude edged up but expectations that economies wi ... read more