Asian Stocks Rise Ahead of US Jobs Data, Gold Gains on Rate Cut Hopes

• Asian stocks saw modest gains, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index reaching an all-time high, as traders awaited US jobs data.
• Gold prices edged up, benefiting from increased odds of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with two already priced in.
• Weak December retail sales reinforced expectations for Fed rate cuts, shifting focus to upcoming jobs and inflation reports.
• Economists predict a 65,000 rise in January payrolls, the best in four months, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.4%.
• Concerns over AI spending impacted tech stocks, while Fed officials offered mixed views on future rate adjustments.