Global markets focus on key US jobs figures

By Belgin Yakisan Mutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Global markets are monitoring key US jobs data on Friday after they were relieved by a temporary debt ceiling extension in the US partially calmed concerns on the ongoing energy crisis

The US Labor Department will announce nonfarm payrolls for September, which will be effective on the Federal Reserve's plans for tapering.

This comes after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the upper chamber reached an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, thus averting the risk of a default.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had offered the Democrats a short-term debt limit extension to cover current spending late on Wednesday.

Fueled by the vote, European and the US stock markets ended Thursday on high note.

Major stock markets in Asia closed with gains on Thursday amid positive signs from the US on raising the debt ceiling and optimism on bilateral ties between Washington and Beijing.

The positive trends came amid a meeting between high-level diplomats from the US and China in Switzerland on Thursday to discuss risk management in the countries' bilateral relations and the resolution of international problems.