Asian markets start Thursday on a cautious note
Asian markets kicked off Thursday on a cautious note, mostly because there's not much fresh economic data to guide investors.
US stock futures dipped slightly, and the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks dropped for a second day.
The ongoing US government shutdown is also making things murkier by holding back important reports like unemployment numbers.
Gold and copper prices edge up
Gold and copper prices edged up as people speculated about possible Federal Reserve rate cuts, while oil saw its biggest drop since June thanks to weak demand signals and OPEC hinting at oversupply.
Investors are also keeping an eye on the Japanese yen after a warning from Japan's finance minister about currency swings.
With US earnings season ending, everyone's waiting for clearer signals from central banks and hoping key economic data returns soon.