Asian shares await US jobs data; Kospi slips, oil climbs on Middle East tensions

Asian shares stalled Friday as investors awaited US jobs data that could sway the Federal Reserve’s next rate decision, while oil rose on Middle East tensions. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan was flat, down 0.4% for the week. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.9%; South Korea’s KOSPI slipped 0.5%, heading for a seventh weekly loss. Forecasts expect 80,000 US jobs added in July. Brent crude gained 1% to $83.38 after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia; Treasury yields rose. Iran is reviewing a bill restricting Hormuz shipping. Gold edged up to $4,243.