Asian markets operate cautiously prior to US stimulus, jobs data

SINGAPORE- Asian share markets started regular sessions in an anxious tone on Thursday after advancing for two consecutive days.  Such performance was observed as investors await for the implementation of the $2 trillion stimulus package in the U.S. to minimize the impact of virus to the global economy.

Japanese benchmark index Nikkei lost 2.2% while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index advanced 1.5% during earlier part of the session, its third most upbeat performance but also the most muted.

Other advancers in Asian trading board were Hong Kong futures and China A50 futures with 1% and 0.2% gains respectively. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares also increased by 2.2%.

US senators wanted to close the legislation on Wednesday in Washington. However, the arrangement is still ambiguous as it continues to gain criticism. The bill focuses on allotting $500 billion fund to affected sectors and $3,000 aid to US households.