ASX futures point higher after U.S. jobs data eases rate-hike outlook

Australian share futures rose 0.5 percent to 8754 after U.S. employment figures showed signs of cooling. The data reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates soon. Wall Street closed mixed overnight. The S&P 500 finished essentially flat, down 0.06 percent.

Spot gold rose 1.3 percent to $4,135 an ounce. Brent crude held steady at $71.59 a barrel. Iron ore gained 0.9 percent to $98.50 a tonne. Bitcoin slipped 0.09 percent to $61,459. European markets also advanced, with the FTSE 100 up 1.7 percent and the Stoxx 600 index gaining 1.4 percent.