Asia markets climb on strong U.S. jobs data

January 12, 2026 (MLN): Asia markets traded higher on Monday, tracking gains on Wall Street from the previous week after fresh U.S. labor data showed a decline in the unemployment rate, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of the world’s largest economy.

Investor focus also remained on energy markets amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to CNBC.

Oil prices were closely watched as Iran entered a third consecutive week of protests, with a U.S.-based rights group reporting more than 500 fatalities.

Despite the geopolitical backdrop, crude prices moved lower.

Brent crude futures slipped to $63.05 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 0.49% to $58.83 per barrel.

In contrast, safe-haven demand lifted precious metals, with spot gold climbing over 1.6% to a fresh all-time high of $4,581.29 per ounce.

Equities across the region posted broad-based gains. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.38%.

South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.11%, while the tech-heavy Kosdaq added 0.96%.

Hyundai Glovis shares surged as much as 8% after analysts raised their price targets for the logistics firm.

Sentiment was further boosted by news that Boston Dynamics, in which Hyundai Glovis holds an 80% stake, entered into a partnership with Google DeepMind to integrate artificial intelligence into humanoid robots.

In Greater China, markets were subdued, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and mainland China’s CSI 300 hovering slightly below the flatline.

Japanese markets remained closed for a public holiday.

Political developments in Japan drew attention after comments from coalition partner Hirofumi Yoshimura suggested that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may consider calling an early general election, potentially as soon as February, according to domestic media reports.

Currency markets saw notable movement, with the Japanese yen weakening sharply to a one-year low of 158.19 against the U.S. dollar.

Meanwhile, U.S. equity futures were largely unchanged during early Asian trading hours, as investors awaited a busy week filled with major economic data releases and corporate earnings.

On Wall Street last Friday, major indices closed at record levels. The S&P 500 rose 0.65% to 6,966.28, marking a new all-time closing high, while also setting a fresh intraday record.

The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.81% to finish at 23,671.35.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237.96 points, or 0.48%, ending the session at a record close of 49,504.07.

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