HONG KONG: Asian stocks got off to a tentative start on Friday, as investors await the outcome of a key U.S. monthly jobs report that will set the tone for the Federal Reserve's policy outlook and as China's markets reopen after a week-long break.MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat after touching its highest level since mid-October in the previous session. Morning trade in markets such as Australia was broadly steady, while Japan's Nikkei share average was up 0.6 percent. In Hong Kong, the benchmark index fell on Thursday, led by property firms and casino companies.In currency markets, the dollar was pinned near its weakest level against a basket of major rivals since mid-November amid uncertainty about the Trump's administration mixed comments on the greenback.The Australian dollar gave back some of its strong gains on Thursday after a record December trade surplus burnished its appeal among foreign investors. It was trading at 0.7653 per dollar after hitting a high of 0.7696 per dollar in the previous session.Oil prices were broadly flat as traders grew less concerned about tensions between the United States and Iran. Brent futures settled around $56.56 a barrel.- Reuters

Source: The Star February 03, 2017 00:45 UTC