The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.8%, though it remains on course for its strongest week since September 2024. U.S. futures steadied, gold rose 1%, Bitcoin edged higher, and the 10-year Treasury yield held near 4.11% ahead of key inflation data.

Treasuries stayed close to a two-month low as markets positioned for the January CPI report, with headline and core inflation both seen at 2.5%. Solid payroll figures signaled labor resilience, even as jobless claims exceeded estimates. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold rates in March, with two 25-basis-point cuts priced for June and September.

The Dollar Index hovered around 97, moving sideways for a fourth session. The greenback is set to lose more than 2% against the yen, while the Australian dollar strengthened on firmer signals from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

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