Asian markets began a significant month on a cautious note, with MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.3% and 1.9% for the week. Investors are focused on the upcoming US nonfarm payrolls report, the presidential election, and the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. Oil prices rose nearly 2% to $74.13 a barrel amid reports of Iran's planned retaliatory strike on Israel, while Nasdaq futures gained 0.3% following a strong earnings report from Amazon, which saw a 5.3% increase in its stock price.
