Asian stock markets saw a mix of gains and losses on Thursday, as investors kept a close eye on the highly-anticipated US jobs data release due later in the day.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei closed at 27,509.46, up 107.41 points, or 0.39%, driven by technology stocks.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 and All Ordinaries both closed higher, driven by gains in banking stocks.
In South Korea, the KOSPI ended a three-day streak of gains at 2,480.4, up 11.52 points, or 0.47%, amid positive sentiment following the Federal Reserve meeting and high expectations for earnings from domestic firms.
The Shanghai Composite saw a decline, closing at 3,263.41 points, down 22.26 points, or -0.68%, as foreign buying slowed down.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng closed lower at 21,660.47 points, down 297.89 points, or -1.36%, as investors awaited the US jobs numbers.
In Thailand, the SET index closed at 1,688.36 points, up 5.78 points or 0.34%, reflecting the cautious mood seen across Asian stock markets.