Asian shares rise, oil extends gains after OPEC+ deal

Earlier this week, U.S. economic data suggesting that the labor market and economy were slowing as well as the Reserve Bank of Australia’s surprise move to raise rates by only 25 basis points fuelled hopes of less aggressive interest rate hikes by central banks and lifted risk sentiment.

Gold gains as Treasury yields dip; hawkish Fed caps upside

​​​On Wednesday, the ADP National Employment report showed private employers increased hiring last month, while separately the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) non-manufacturing PMI reading came in slightly above expectations, suggesting underlying strength in the economy despite rising interest rates. Investors are likely to shift focus to U.S. nonfarm payrolls data due on Friday.