Stock market today: Asian stocks are mixed ahead of key U.S. jobs data

News Snapshot:

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian stocks were mixed Friday after a steady Thursday on Wall Street as markets anticipated the release of key U.S. jobs data later in the day. U.S. futures and oil prices rose. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 edged 0.1% lower to 38,683.93 after Friday data showed household spending in April was up 0.5% year-on-year. This was the first increase since February 2023 and is a key indicator in assessing the country’s economy as central bank officials prepare to hold a policy meeting next week. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 0.6% to 18,369.83, while the Shanghai Composite...