Asian markets showed mixed performance today following robust US jobs data. Singapore's Straits Times Index fell 0.3%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.5%. Investors weighed the implications of US economic resilience against the Federal Reserve's future interest rate policy path.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3, 2026 – Robust US jobs data released overnight had a complex impact on Asian markets, leading to mixed performance across the region today. The data, indicating a still-tight US labor market, fueled concerns that the Federal Reserve might maintain higher interest rates for longer, thereby impacting global growth prospects. Among the major regional indices, Singapore's Straits Times Index fell 0.3% to close at 3210.50, primarily dragged down by banking and property counters. In contrast, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.5% to 16680.20, partly buoyed by a rebound in technology shares. Japan's Nikkei also saw a slight gain. Malaysia's FBM KLCI, meanwhile, closed marginally higher amidst cautious sentiment. Investors are closely watching upcoming US inflation data later this week for further clues on the Fed's next move.
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