Asia markets mixed, sentiment tepid as Fed looms
The dollar hit a five-week low while Asian stocks made a lacklustre start to the trading session on Thursday, after weaker-than-expected economic data cemented expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at its meeting next week. Nikkei 225 gained 0.8%, while Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.1%, dragged by Korea and New Zealand, with S&P 500 futures flat.