Asian Stocks Set for Dip Amid Jobs Data Awaited

Equity futures in Asia are poised for early declines on Friday, mirroring muted moves on Wall Street, as investors await crucial US jobs data that will shape expectations for interest rates.

Key Market Highlights

* Futures for Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan are down, with the latter impacted by a stronger yen.
* Yen rallies against the dollar, reaching around 151 per dollar, its highest since early December.
* S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 gain 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively, on Thursday.
* Amazon shares dip after-hours due to projected profits below analyst estimates.

Jobs Report and Implications

* Nonfarm payroll figures expected to show 175,000 new US jobs added in January.
* A weak report may boost expectations for Federal Reserve cuts, while a stronger result could have the opposite effect.
* Revision to job growth data forecast to be substantial but not as severe as initially estimated.

Bank of England and Currency Movements

* Bank of England cuts interest rates, with markets betting on further easing.
* British pound falls in response.
* However, the central bank forecasts lower growth and higher inflation.

Asian Market Events

* Japan's household spending and Bank of Japan's bond purchases data scheduled for release.
* Taiwan's inflation and India's rate decision also ожидаемый.
* Reserve Bank of India expected to cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, with some analysts anticipating a larger 50 basis point cut.

Corporate News

* Qualcomm sinks on concerns over smartphone demand.
* Peloton Interactive rises on bullish outlook.
* Philip Morris International sets a record high on solid sales of Zyn nicotine pouches.
* Ford Motor falls amid profit warning.

Commodities

* Gold retreats from record high, declining for the first time in six sessions.
* Oil prices dip as Trump's efforts to lower crude costs overshadow his push for tighter Iranian sanctions.