SYDNEY : Asian share markets were in a cautious mood on Thursday as concerns grew over the Chinese economy after a run of soft data, while the risk of a sub par U.S. payrolls report kept the dollar on the defensive.
"Input shortages and low inventories will likely lead to production cuts and delayed shipments in Q3." Nasdaq futures and S&P 500 futures were barely changed, while EUROSTOXX 50 futures eased 0.2per cent and FTSE futures 0.1per cent. Yet a soft number could be positive for risk assets since it would lessen pressure for an early tapering from the Federal Reserve.
The euro also reached its highest since early August at US$1.1856 and was last holding steady at US$1.1840. That kept the dollar firm at 110.00 yen and comfortably within the tight 108.71 to 110.79 range that has lasted for the past two months.