Asia-Pacific Markets Open Mixed After Strong U.S. Jobs Data

Stronger-than-expected January payrolls report dampens expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Asia-Pacific markets opened in a mixed state on Thursday following a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report that has reduced the odds of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all declined slightly overnight in the U.S. after the January nonfarm payrolls report showed job growth of 130,000, exceeding economist estimates.

Why it matters

The stronger-than-expected U.S. labor market data has diminished expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in the near future, which could impact global financial markets and economic growth projections across the Asia-Pacific region.

The details

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.42% in early trading, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures were lower than the previous close. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a stronger open, with the Chicago contract at 58,130 and the Osaka counterpart at 58,160, compared to the index's previous close of 57,650.54. The January nonfarm payrolls report showed job growth of 130,000, exceeding the 55,000 gain expected by economists.

  • The U.S. jobs report was released on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States that is responsible for monetary policy, including setting interest rates.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A division of the U.S. Department of Labor that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, business, and labor.

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The takeaway

The stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report has reduced the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates in the near future, which could have ripple effects on financial markets and economic growth projections across the Asia-Pacific region.