Asian shares edge up ahead of US jobs report

Asian markets saw small gains on bargain-buying in early trade on Thursday following the recent global sell-off, while investors sit on the sidelines ahead of the release of crucial US government jobs data. Wall Street provided a tepid lead and the dollar was flat against the yen after a private US jobs report proved inconclusive. Tokyo edged up 0.28 percent, Hong Kong climbed 0.37 percent, Sydney rose 0.68 percent and Seoul was 0.83 percent higher. Shanghai and Wellington were closed for public holidays. The turmoil of the past week has subsided briefly ahead of the non-farm payrolls figure due on Friday, which will provide traders with a better handle on the state of the US economy. "The tension in the buildup to Friday's US non-farm payroll data is heavy with the increased uncertainty over where the US economy is headed," said SMBC Nikko Securities general manager of equities Hiroichi Nishi. World markets were sent into a tailspin last week on fears for the global economy fuelled by downbeat US and Chinese manufacturing results as well as the Federal Reserve's decision to further reduce its stimulus programme. Most economists tip further selling if Friday's employment data misses expectations. A report by payrolls firm ADP on Wednesday showed the US private sector added 175,000 jobs in January, slightly below the forecast 178,000. On Wall Street the Dow ended flat, the S&P 500 dipped 0.20 percent and the Nasdaq lost 0.50 percent, according to AFP.