Asia-Pacific Markets Mixed with ASX 200 Down 0.1%, Nikkei 225 Up 0.3% Amid U.S. Futures Rally and Holiday-Thinned Trading

Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed performance at the start of the new trading month amid holiday-thinned conditions, with many regional and European markets closed for Labour Day and May Day holidays. The ASX 200 declined slightly by 0.1%, while Japan's Nikkei 225 edged up 0.3%. Overall, Asian stock markets were influenced by choppy trading on Wall Street and anticipation of key U.S. economic data. U.S. futures rallied despite the limited trading activity, and global shares generally rose amid these holiday-related market closures.