U.S. job growth likely picked up in January, supported by fewer layoffs in some seasonal industries, but the labor market remained sluggish as lingering uncertainty over import tariffs tempered hiring and tighter immigration enforcement constrained the supply of workers.

Malaysia's economy likely expanded at its fastest pace in more than a year in the final quarter of 2025, supported by strong domestic demand and investment as well as steady export growth, a Reuters poll of economists showed.

Japan's annual wholesale inflation slowed for a second consecutive month in January but yen-based import costs rose, highlighting the impact of a weak yen on prices and monetary policy.

Malaysia’s natural rubber (NR) production rebounded sharply in December 2025, rising 37.3% month-on-month, although output remained significantly lower compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

il prices edged up on Thursday morning as investors worried about escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, on fears that any attacks on Tehran or shipping could lead to supply disruptions.

The U.S. dollar was little changed to slightly lower on Wednesday, after traders pared back their Federal Reserve rate cut expectations following a blowout January jobs report.