Asian markets ended mixed on Thursday after stronger-than-expected US jobs report dented hopes for Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts in the near term. Data showed that US non-farm payroll employment jumped by 1,30,000 jobs in January after rising by a downwardly revised 48,000 jobs in December. The jobless rate dipped from 4.4% to 4.3% in January. Traders were awaiting CPI data from the US, due on Friday, which could provide clearer direction on inflation trends and the Fed’s policy outlook. Chinese shares gained after reports indicated that the United States and China are likely to extend their trade truce for up to a year when US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping meet in Beijing in early April 2026. Hong Kong shares fell, dragged down by heavy losses in technology shares and ahead of China’s extended Lunar New Year break from February 15, while Premier Li Qiang’s call for greater tech innovation and AI adoption failed to lift markets. Taiwan market was closed on account of holiday.