Asian stocks extend record rally as oil and dollar drift

Asian shares climbed to fresh record highs while oil and the dollar moved modestly, as markets noted a U.S. announcement that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured.

Asian equities extended a record run, led by gains in Japan, while oil and the U.S. dollar moved only modestly. Markets also reacted to a U.S. announcement that its forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Overall risk sentiment stayed driven by momentum and upcoming macroeconomic data rather than the single geopolitical development. Traders are watching a monthly U.S. jobs report due on Friday for guidance on monetary policy. Key facts: - MSCI's broad Asia-Pacific index rose about 0.4% to a record high, with Japan's Topix jumping roughly 1.3% to a record peak. - A U.S. announcement said its military operation captured Venezuela's president; current legal or procedural next steps were not specified in the report. - Brent crude was near $61.57 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate near $58.10 after pared gains; gold and copper were trading close to recent highs. - The dollar was largely steady at about 156.47 yen and near $1.1724 per euro, and traders were pricing in expectations for two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year based on futures calculations. Summary: Asian markets continued a record advance while oil and the dollar showed limited movement, and a U.S. announcement about Venezuela's president was noted but reported as having only a constrained effect on broader risk appetite. The U.S. monthly employment report due Friday is expected to be a key near-term influence on market expectations; Undetermined at this time.