ASIA STOCKS: Asian Equities Mixed, Ranges Tight, Ahead of US NFP

Asian equity markets are seeing mixed trading today ahead of key US jobs data that could influence the size of a potential Fed rate cut. In Japan, the Topix is 0.4% lower as exporters like Toyota faced pressure from a stronger yen, while domestic retailers performed better, while the Nikkei remained virtually unchanged. In South Korea, the Kospi dropped as much as 1.5%, marking its fourth straight session of declines, with tech giants like Samsung and SK Hynix leading the losses. Meanwhile, Australia's ASX 200 is 0.4% higher, buoyed by financial stocks, though it's set for a weekly decline of about 1% amid a tech-driven global selloff. New Zealand's NZX 50 slipped 0.6%, but it's on track for a 1.6% weekly gain, outperforming the wider region.

• Nasdaq futures briefly dipped below recent lows earlier, as the JPY strengthened a touch while Asia tech stock dropped.
• Foreign investors have been selling Korean tech stocks, although only about $70m worth so far, they have been slightly better buyers of healthcare stocks
• Hong Kong markets are closed for the morning session due to a Typhoon.
• Overall trading has been subdued as the market awaits NFPs in the US later tonight, with BBG consensus at 165k , up from 114k in July.

• Nasdaq futures briefly dipped below recent lows earlier, as the JPY strengthened a touch while Asia tech stock dropped.
• Foreign investors have been selling Korean tech stocks, although only about $70m worth so far, they have been slightly better buyers of healthcare stocks
• Hong Kong markets are closed for the morning session due to a Typhoon.
• Overall trading has been subdued as the market awaits NFPs in the US later tonight, with BBG consensus at 165k , up from 114k in July.