Regional stock markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region traded mixed on Thursday, with a mildly positive bias, despite a lacklustre lead from Wall Street. The FOMC Minutes from the July meeting revealed that a majority of participants believed the upside risk to inflation was greater than the labour market, although this was conducted prior to the release of the latest NFP report with hefty downward revisions. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Cook refused to be bullied into stepping down from her position after some questions raised in a tweet by FHFA Director Pulte.

Looking ahead, investors will be eyeing key economic data releases, including Global Flash PMIs, UK PSNB, US Weekly/Continued Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Index, EZ Consumer Confidence, and the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Symposium (21st-23rd). Additionally, earnings reports from major companies such as Walmart will be closely watched.

In Europe, European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.2% after Wednesday’s cash market closed with losses of 0.2%.

Overall, the mixed performance of regional stock markets suggests that investors are still navigating the complex landscape of global economic growth and central bank policies, as they attempt to position themselves for potential opportunities in the weeks ahead.