TOKYO (AP) – Share prices were little changed in Asia on Thursday, with trading becalmed by public holidays in Shanghai, Hong Kong and South Korea. Investors were awaiting further U.S. government jobs data following a report by payroll processor ADP showing that hiring by private employers weakened sharply last month.
KEEPING SCORE: Japan’s Nikkei 225 index edged 0.1 percent lower to 20,616.75. Australia’s S&P ASX 200 was unchanged at 5,651.80. Shares in Taiwan and Southeast Asia were mostly higher.
WALL STREET: U.S. stocks inched a bit further into record territory Wednesday after teeter-tottering through the day. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 0.1 percent to 2,537.74 and Dow Jones industrial average also gained 0.1 percent, to 22,661.64. The Nasdaq composite picked up less than 0.1 percent, to 6,534.63. All three indexes added to records set a day earlier.
U.S. JOBS: The downbeat report by ADP said hiring by private employers weakened sharply last month, a setback for an economy that had been enjoying a generally strengthening job market. Damage from hurricanes Harvey and Irma were partly to blame, though economists are forecasting a weaker number, also, in a more comprehensive jobs report the government is due to release on Friday.
ANALYST VIEWPOINT: “In the main there is support for risk assets and investor disdain for safe havens,” Michael McCarthy of CMC Markets said in a commentary. “Volumes across the Asia-Pacific region are expected to remain subdued as Hong Kong and greater China enjoy autumn holidays,” he said.