Asian shares mixed ahead of US jobs data

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed in cautious trading on Tuesday as investors awaited the release of delayed US September jobs data later in the day.

The dollar edged up against the yen, returning to its upward trend after this month's Washington standoff over the debt ceiling and budget had sent investors running to the Japanese unit.

Tokyo rose 0.13 percent, or 19.68 points, to 14,713.25 thanks to the weakening yen, while Sydney climbed 0.40 percent, or 21.3 points, to 5,373.1. Seoul added 0.15 percent, or 3.11 points, to end at 2,056.12.

However, Shanghai fell 0.83 percent, or 18.40 points, to end at 2,210.65 and Hong Kong was down 0.46 percent in the afternoon.

"Market participation levels are likely to remain low until data can help confirm the state of the US economic recovery," said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager of equities at SMBC Nikko Securities.

With last week's global rally -- fuelled by the US deal to reopen the government after 16 days and avert a devastating default -- out of the way, attention has turned back to economic numbers, with the non-farm payrolls figures in focus.