Asia Markets Rally Ahead of Pivotal US Payrolls Report

Shares and bonds in Asia rallied on Thursday as investors awaited fresh U.S. data and central banker comments for signals that could determine whether the Federal Reserve tightens policy this month.

The yen added to its gains, rising to 157.64 per dollar, while bond yields eased from multi-year highs overnight. Japanese government bond yields slid from historic peaks, tracking a recovery in Treasuries.

The market's immediate focus is Friday's pivotal U.S. payrolls report after disappointing private labour data for August. Fed Board Governor Christopher Waller is due to speak after Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams tempered expectations of a hike this month.