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Global Stocks Hit Peak Level Before US Jobs Data: Markets Wrap ========== Global equities were set to hold onto record highs achieved Thursday as traders turned their attention to US jobs data due Friday for clues on Federal Reserve rate cuts. Tokyo’s Topix index touched another record, before slipping. The moves followed gains for European shares, led by French equities. US stock futures were little changed in Asia after markets were closed Thursday for a holiday. A gauge of global stocks was on track for its longest stretch of weekly gains since March. Emerging market equities also benefited as the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose to the highest level in two years on Thursday. An index of dollar strength steadied Friday after falling for a third day as developing-world currencies were broadly higher, led by the Brazilian real. The pound was little changed after a run of strengthening that began last week, as investors digested the prospect of a Labour Party victory in Thursday’s general election. Exit polling data showed Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is projected to win with a huge majority, as Rishi Sunak’s governing Conservatives were on track for their worst-ever performance and would likely see some of the party’s biggest names voted out of Parliament. France’s CAC 40 benchmark index advanced for a second day in the buildup to this weekend’s final round of voting in snap parliamentary elections. The gauge extended gains as polls suggested Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and its allies will fall well short of a majority. In Asia, Australian and New Zealand yields were little changed early Friday. The yen was also steady after slightly strengthening in a rebound from the lowest level since 1986 reached on Wednesday. Data releases in the region Friday include inflation for the Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan. Reports on Wednesday showed the American services sector contracted at the fastest pace in four years, while the labor market saw further signs of softening before Friday’s key jobs figures. West Texas Intermediate, the US oil price, edged higher early Friday. Bitcoin slipped to trade around $57,800. #GlobalStocks #UsJobsData #FederalReserve #RateCuts https://finance.yahoo.com/news/asian-equities-tread-water-us-221926837.html