Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union.

A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 off 0.5 per cent.

Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent.

"We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics.

"Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong."

The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed.

Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero.

That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down.

Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response.

The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar.

Easing goes global

That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world.

"The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets.

"It is, essentially, a global policy cycle."

The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078.

Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909.

Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar.

Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process.

That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday.

In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday.

Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce.

Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports.

US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves. Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union. A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 off 0.5 per cent. Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent. "We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics. "Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong." The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed. Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero. That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down. Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response. The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar. Easing goes global That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world. "The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets. "It is, essentially, a global policy cycle." The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078. Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909. Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar. Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process. That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday. In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday. Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce. Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports. US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Bond yields spiral lower, take stocks along for the ride

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, recovering from a sharp fall last Friday.

Japan's Nikkei climbed 1.8 per cent to its highest level of the year so far, while Australia's main index rose 0.7 per cent.

Shanghai blue chips bounced 1.6 per cent.

But E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 were flat as the trade was thinned by a holiday in US markets.

The Dow and the Nasdaq had boasted their eighth consecutive weekly gains on wagers the United States and China would hammer out an agreement resolving their protracted trade war.

The two sides will resume negotiations this week, with US President Donald Trump saying he may extend a March 1 deadline for a deal. Both reported progress in five days of talks in Beijing last week.

"That does not rule out a setback or two between now and the start of March," said analysts at CBA in a note.

"Even so, we still think that both sides have good reasons to want to get to an agreement. And, so motivated, it makes an agreement more likely than not."

There are also growing expectations of more reflationary policies from some of the world's more powerful central banks.

The need for stimulus was highlighted on Monday by data showing a sharp slide in Singapore exports and a big drop in foreign orders for Japanese machinery goods.

Beijing is already taking action with China's banks making the newest loans on record in January in an attempt to jumpstart sluggish investment.

Minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting are due on Wednesday and should provide more guidance on the likelihood or not for rate hikes this year. There is also talk the bank will keep a much larger balance sheet than previously planned.

"Given the range of speakers since the January meeting who support "patience," the Fed minutes should reiterate a dovish message overall," said analysts at TD Securities in a note.

A roll call of Fed officials is speaking at various events this week including a round table on Friday covering the future of its balance sheet.

EYEING THE ECB

The European Central Bank's Olli Rehn told a German newspaper on Sunday that recent data point to a weakening eurozone economy and interest rates would remain at the current level until monetary policy goals have been met.

That came amid much speculation the ECB would launch another round of Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) to support bank lending.

The risk of an easy ECB saw the euro touch a three-month low on Friday before bouncing on dovish comments from Fed officials.

The single currency edged up to $1.1309 but was still within the $1.1213/1.1570 trading range that has held since mid-October. The dollar was steady on the yen at 110.53, having backed away from a two-month top of 111.12.

Sterling was a shade firmer at $1.2909 ahead of Brexit talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker this week.

All of which left the dollar at 96.811 on a basket of currencies, inching away from last week's top of 97.368.

In commodity markets, spot gold firmed 0.28 per cent to $1,324.70 per ounce.

Oil prices reached their highest for the year so far, buoyed by OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

US crude was last up 36 cents at $55.95 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 20 cents to $66.45.

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks.

Asian share markets bounced broadly on Monday as investors dared to hope for both progress at Sino-US trade talks in Washington this week and more policy stimulus from major central banks. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, recovering from a sharp fall last Friday. Japan's Nikkei climbed 1.8 per cent to its highest level of the year so far, while Australia's main index rose 0.7 per cent. Shanghai blue chips bounced 1.6 per cent. But E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 were flat as the trade was thinned by a holiday in US markets. The Dow and the Nasdaq had boasted their eighth consecutive weekly gains on wagers the United States and China would hammer out an agreement resolving their protracted trade war. The two sides will resume negotiations this week, with US President Donald Trump saying he may extend a March 1 deadline for a deal. Both reported progress in five days of talks in Beijing last week. "That does not rule out a setback or two between now and the start of March," said analysts at CBA in a note. "Even so, we still think that both sides have good reasons to want to get to an agreement. And, so motivated, it makes an agreement more likely than not." There are also growing expectations of more reflationary policies from some of the world's more powerful central banks. The need for stimulus was highlighted on Monday by data showing a sharp slide in Singapore exports and a big drop in foreign orders for Japanese machinery goods. Beijing is already taking action with China's banks making the newest loans on record in January in an attempt to jumpstart sluggish investment. Minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting are due on Wednesday and should provide more guidance on the likelihood or not for rate hikes this year. There is also talk the bank will keep a much larger balance sheet than previously planned. "Given the range of speakers since the January meeting who support "patience," the Fed minutes should reiterate a dovish message overall," said analysts at TD Securities in a note. A roll call of Fed officials is speaking at various events this week including a round table on Friday covering the future of its balance sheet. EYEING THE ECB The European Central Bank's Olli Rehn told a German newspaper on Sunday that recent data point to a weakening eurozone economy and interest rates would remain at the current level until monetary policy goals have been met. That came amid much speculation the ECB would launch another round of Targeted Long-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) to support bank lending. The risk of an easy ECB saw the euro touch a three-month low on Friday before bouncing on dovish comments from Fed officials. The single currency edged up to $1.1309 but was still within the $1.1213/1.1570 trading range that has held since mid-October. The dollar was steady on the yen at 110.53, having backed away from a two-month top of 111.12. Sterling was a shade firmer at $1.2909 ahead of Brexit talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker this week. All of which left the dollar at 96.811 on a basket of currencies, inching away from last week's top of 97.368. In commodity markets, spot gold firmed 0.28 per cent to $1,324.70 per ounce. Oil prices reached their highest for the year so far, buoyed by OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. US crude was last up 36 cents at $55.95 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 20 cents to $66.45.

Asia markets dare to hope on trade talks, stimulus

The British pound lay battered and bruised in Asia on Friday after a bout of political turmoil fanned fears the country could crash out of the European Union without a divorce deal.

Asian share markets fared better as hopes for a thaw in Sino-US trade relations gave Wall Street a fillip, though there were duelling reports on the prospects for an actual agreement.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was ahead 0.26 per cent in early trade, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.2 per cent.

Still, sterling stole the limelight after a rash of resignations rocked Prime Minister Theresa May's government and threw into doubt her long-awaited Brexit agreement just hours after it was unveiled.

Fears that May's hard-fought deal could collapse sent British markets into gyrations not seen since the June 2016 referendum on EU membership.

The pound suffered its biggest one-day loss against the euro since October 2016 and was last at 88.63 pence. Against the dollar, it was huddled at $1.2777 after shedding 1.6 per cent overnight.

Joseph Capurso, a senior currency strategist at CBA, listed just some of sterling's woes.

"If and when a vote on the withdrawal agreement occurs is uncertain. Whether the withdrawal bill is passed by both houses of Parliament is uncertain," Capurso said in a note.

"Whether the Prime Minister resigns or is challenged for the leadership is uncertain. And, whether there is a second referendum and/or an election is uncertain."

All of which helped British bonds rally sharply as investors wagered the political chaos and risk of a hard Brexit would deter the Bank of England from tightening anytime soon.

Yields on 5-year paper staged the largest one-day decline since the Brexit vote at almost 15 basis points.

DID HE? OR DIDN'T HE?

Absent the British drama, investors chose to be optimistic on the chance of progress on tariffs between the United States and China.

A Financial Times report said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has told some industry executives that another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports has been put on hold.

CNBC later reported that Lighthizer's office had denied the story, but markets were cheered anyway.

The benchmark S&amp;P 500 index gained 1.06 per cent to snap five days of losses, while the Dow rose 0.83 per cent and the Nasdaq 1.72 per cent.&nbsp;

The plunge in sterling lifted the dollar against a basket of currencies to 97.06, even as the euro firmed a touch to $1.1328.

Also underwater was the cryptocurrency Bitcoin which hit a one-year trough overnight after tumbling 10 per cent early in the week when support at $6,000 gave way. It was last changing hands at $5,563.46 on the Bitstamp platform.

In commodity markets, gold was up a shade at $1,214.30.

Oil prices regained a little composure after their recent drubbing, helped by a decline in US fuel stockpiles and the possibility of a cut in OPEC output.&nbsp;

US crude was trading up 3 cents at $56.49. Brent crude was yet to trade but had ended Thursday up 58 cents at $66.70 a barrel.

The British pound lay battered and bruised in Asia on Friday after a bout of political turmoil fanned fears the country could crash out of the European Union without a divorce deal.

The British pound lay battered and bruised in Asia on Friday after a bout of political turmoil fanned fears the country could crash out of the European Union without a divorce deal. Asian share markets fared better as hopes for a thaw in Sino-US trade relations gave Wall Street a fillip, though there were duelling reports on the prospects for an actual agreement. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was ahead 0.26 per cent in early trade, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.2 per cent. Still, sterling stole the limelight after a rash of resignations rocked Prime Minister Theresa May's government and threw into doubt her long-awaited Brexit agreement just hours after it was unveiled. Fears that May's hard-fought deal could collapse sent British markets into gyrations not seen since the June 2016 referendum on EU membership. The pound suffered its biggest one-day loss against the euro since October 2016 and was last at 88.63 pence. Against the dollar, it was huddled at $1.2777 after shedding 1.6 per cent overnight. Joseph Capurso, a senior currency strategist at CBA, listed just some of sterling's woes. "If and when a vote on the withdrawal agreement occurs is uncertain. Whether the withdrawal bill is passed by both houses of Parliament is uncertain," Capurso said in a note. "Whether the Prime Minister resigns or is challenged for the leadership is uncertain. And, whether there is a second referendum and/or an election is uncertain." All of which helped British bonds rally sharply as investors wagered the political chaos and risk of a hard Brexit would deter the Bank of England from tightening anytime soon. Yields on 5-year paper staged the largest one-day decline since the Brexit vote at almost 15 basis points. DID HE? OR DIDN'T HE? Absent the British drama, investors chose to be optimistic on the chance of progress on tariffs between the United States and China. A Financial Times report said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has told some industry executives that another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports has been put on hold. CNBC later reported that Lighthizer's office had denied the story, but markets were cheered anyway. The benchmark S&P 500 index gained 1.06 per cent to snap five days of losses, while the Dow rose 0.83 per cent and the Nasdaq 1.72 per cent. The plunge in sterling lifted the dollar against a basket of currencies to 97.06, even as the euro firmed a touch to $1.1328. Also underwater was the cryptocurrency Bitcoin which hit a one-year trough overnight after tumbling 10 per cent early in the week when support at $6,000 gave way. It was last changing hands at $5,563.46 on the Bitstamp platform. In commodity markets, gold was up a shade at $1,214.30. Oil prices regained a little composure after their recent drubbing, helped by a decline in US fuel stockpiles and the possibility of a cut in OPEC output. US crude was trading up 3 cents at $56.49. Brent crude was yet to trade but had ended Thursday up 58 cents at $66.70 a barrel.

Sterling scarred by Brexit turmoil; Asia shares cling to trade hopes

Asian shares wobbled in early Friday trade, struggling to shake off the previous day`s global markets rout, after weak results from tech giants Alphabet Inc and Amazon.com heightened concerns over world trade and economic growth.

The shaky start for regional bourses came despite a bounce on Wall Street overnight, which was helped by bargain-hunting and positive earnings from Microsoft Corp.&nbsp;

Those gains were put into perspective, however, as shares of both Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc fell sharply after the closing bell on disappointing earnings.&nbsp;

Predictably, the Nasdaq futures turned down 0.9 per cent and S&amp;P E-mini futures fell 0.6 per cent, underscoring broad worries about US corporate earnings, and the outlook for the economy, which triggered a rout on Wall Street on Wednesday and sent global markets into a tailspin.&nbsp;

In Asia, MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat after pushing slightly lower in the opening hour.&nbsp;

The index has been bruised by a heavy sell-off in the past several days, tumbling more than 3 per cent this week.

South Korea`s Kospi was also down 0.6 per cent, and Australia`s shares were hanging on to modest gains of 0.2 per cent. Japan`s Nikkei stock index was the biggest gainer, up 0.5 per cent, though that only partially erased Thursday`s 3.7 per cent slide.

Financial markets have been whipsawed in recent sessions on concerns over global growth as investors fretted over Sino-U.S. trade frictions, a mixed bag of US corporate earnings, Federal Reserve rate hikes and Italian budget woes. A slowdown in China has been particularly worrying for policy makers and investors, hitting asset markets from stocks to currencies and commodities.&nbsp;

Analysts at Capital Economics sounded a cautious note, suggesting that the bounce in the S&amp;P 500 index on Thursday was only temporary as investors worries about the economic outlook worsen.

"The first, and most important (worry) is that Fed tightening and fading fiscal stimulus will cause the US economy to take a turn for the worse ... The second is that China`s economy will continue to struggle," the analysts said in a note to clients.&nbsp;

"As we have been arguing for a while now, these worries are likely to get worse over the next twelve months or so."&nbsp;

Investors will get a chance to check the US economic pulse later Friday when the government releases third-quarter GDP data.&nbsp;

ANZ analysts highlighted weak US core durable goods data as suggesting that "investment is not taking off, even with the apparent tailwind from tax cuts and USD repatriation."

"This indicates that the boost to GDP growth from the fiscal stimulus could be fairly transitory," the analysts said.

In currency markets, the euro edged lower, extending weakness after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the bank`s 2.6 trillion euro ($2.96 trillion) asset purchase program will end this year and interest rates could rise after next summer, despite fears about the monetary union`s economic and political future.

The single currency was 0.04 per cent lower at $1.1370.

The dollar dropped 0.1 per cent against the yen to 112.29. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was also 0.1 per cent lower at 96.594.

The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 3.1073 per cent compared with its US close of 3.136 per cent on Thursday.&nbsp;

Oil prices gave up some ground after earlier rising on signals from Saudi Arabia`s energy minister that there could be a need for intervention to reduce oil stockpiles.

US crude dipped 0.85 percent at $66.76 a barrel. Brent crude fell 0.6 per cent to $76.43 per barrel.&nbsp;

Spot gold was flat at $1,231.75 per ounce.&nbsp;

Asian shares wobbled in early Friday trade, struggling to shake off the previous day`s global markets rout, after weak results from tech giants Alphabet Inc and Amazon.

Asian shares wobbled in early Friday trade, struggling to shake off the previous day`s global markets rout, after weak results from tech giants Alphabet Inc and Amazon.com heightened concerns over world trade and economic growth. The shaky start for regional bourses came despite a bounce on Wall Street overnight, which was helped by bargain-hunting and positive earnings from Microsoft Corp. Those gains were put into perspective, however, as shares of both Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc fell sharply after the closing bell on disappointing earnings. Predictably, the Nasdaq futures turned down 0.9 per cent and S&P E-mini futures fell 0.6 per cent, underscoring broad worries about US corporate earnings, and the outlook for the economy, which triggered a rout on Wall Street on Wednesday and sent global markets into a tailspin. In Asia, MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat after pushing slightly lower in the opening hour. The index has been bruised by a heavy sell-off in the past several days, tumbling more than 3 per cent this week. South Korea`s Kospi was also down 0.6 per cent, and Australia`s shares were hanging on to modest gains of 0.2 per cent. Japan`s Nikkei stock index was the biggest gainer, up 0.5 per cent, though that only partially erased Thursday`s 3.7 per cent slide. Financial markets have been whipsawed in recent sessions on concerns over global growth as investors fretted over Sino-U.S. trade frictions, a mixed bag of US corporate earnings, Federal Reserve rate hikes and Italian budget woes. A slowdown in China has been particularly worrying for policy makers and investors, hitting asset markets from stocks to currencies and commodities. Analysts at Capital Economics sounded a cautious note, suggesting that the bounce in the S&P 500 index on Thursday was only temporary as investors worries about the economic outlook worsen. "The first, and most important (worry) is that Fed tightening and fading fiscal stimulus will cause the US economy to take a turn for the worse ... The second is that China`s economy will continue to struggle," the analysts said in a note to clients. "As we have been arguing for a while now, these worries are likely to get worse over the next twelve months or so." Investors will get a chance to check the US economic pulse later Friday when the government releases third-quarter GDP data. ANZ analysts highlighted weak US core durable goods data as suggesting that "investment is not taking off, even with the apparent tailwind from tax cuts and USD repatriation." "This indicates that the boost to GDP growth from the fiscal stimulus could be fairly transitory," the analysts said. In currency markets, the euro edged lower, extending weakness after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the bank`s 2.6 trillion euro ($2.96 trillion) asset purchase program will end this year and interest rates could rise after next summer, despite fears about the monetary union`s economic and political future. The single currency was 0.04 per cent lower at $1.1370. The dollar dropped 0.1 per cent against the yen to 112.29. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was also 0.1 per cent lower at 96.594. The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 3.1073 per cent compared with its US close of 3.136 per cent on Thursday. Oil prices gave up some ground after earlier rising on signals from Saudi Arabia`s energy minister that there could be a need for intervention to reduce oil stockpiles. US crude dipped 0.85 percent at $66.76 a barrel. Brent crude fell 0.6 per cent to $76.43 per barrel. Spot gold was flat at $1,231.75 per ounce.

Asian shares struggle to shake off rout despite Wall Street bounce