Tokyo's benchmark fell as markets reopened after several days of holidays, while markets in China advanced. U.S. futures edged lower and oil prices rose.A report showed hiring accelerated across the economy by much more than expected last month. The government's jobs report also showed workers won bigger pay raises than expected.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday that there are "no good options" for the United States to avoid an economic "calamity" if Congress fails to raise the nation's borrowing limit of US$31.381 trillion in the coming weeks. The Fed said Wednesday it wasn't sure of its next move after raising its benchmark rate to a range of 5% to 5.25%, up from virtually zero early last year. Many traders expect the Fed to hold rates steady at its next meeting in June, which would be the first time that's happened in more than a year.