Asian markets fluctuate with nervous eye on US jobs data

Asian traders shifted cautiously Thursday ahead of key US jobs data at the end of the week, after Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell warned it could ramp up its pace of interest rate hikes if the economy shows no sign of slowing.

Markets have been falling since the start of February as a string of forecast-beating indicators have shattered hopes the US central bank could pause its tightening campaign soon, and even cut borrowing costs by the year's end.

And on Tuesday, Powell delivered another blow by telling lawmakers that with inflation still stubbornly high and the jobs market tight, officials were prepared to hike by half a percentage point at their next meeting as they struggle to control prices.

That would be twice the last increase, which followed a period of bumper increases last year.

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The prospect of rates going ever higher -- with some predicting six percent from the current 4.5-4.75 percent -- has ramped up fears the world's top economy could tip into recession. Analysts pointed out that bond markets suggest a contraction is on the cards.

He reiterated monetary policymakers' determination to quell inflation on Wednesday in a second day of testimony to US lawmakers, though he did say the decision would be driven by data, with a close eye on the labour market.

"If -- and I stress that no decision has been made on this -- but if the totality of the data were to indicate that faster tightening is warranted, we'd be prepared to increase the pace of rate hikes," he said.

"Inflation is coming down but it's very high," he added. "Some part of the high inflation that we are experiencing is very likely related to a very tight labour market."

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Recession fears hit oil

Meanwhile, the Fed's "beige book" survey of economic conditions said "inflationary pressures remained widespread" and that "labour market conditions remained solid".

Traders are now awaiting Friday's non-farm payrolls figures for February, with a strong reading likely to put pressure on the Fed to hike by 50 basis points.

In a worrying sign for risk appetite, a report on the private sector showed a bigger-than-expected jump in jobs last month -- double January's number -- while wage growth remained solid.

After a tepid day on Wall Street, Asian markets swung.

Hong Kong was flat while Shanghai fell with Singapore, Seoul, Wellington and Manila. Tokyo, Sydney, Taipei and Jakarta rose.

Growing concerns about rising rates causing a possible recession were keeping downward pressure on oil prices, which extended Wednesday's losses in Asian business.

"Crude prices can't shake off fears that the Fed is going to send the US economy into a bad recession," said OANDA's Edward Moya, adding that data showing a small dip in US stockpiles was unable to shake off the unease.

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"The amount of crude demand uncertainty over the short-term is keeping oil prices heavy. WTI crude looks like it will be stuck between the mid-$70s and the low $80s until we have a better idea on what type of recession the Fed will trigger," he said.

Key figures around 0230 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.6 percent at 28,604.56 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 20,056.42

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,280.83

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0542 from $1.0547 on Wednesday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.1838 from $1.1845

Euro/pound: UP at 89.05 pence from 89.01 pence

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 137.09 yen from 137.43 yen

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.2 percent at $76.52 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.1 percent at $82.55 per barrel

New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 32,798.40 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,929.92 (close)

Source: AFP