Dow Jones, ASX 200, Nikkei 225 forecast: jobless claims, stimulus in focus.

Asia-Pacific markets are poised for a cautious start on Thursday, with the Nikkei 225 and ASX 200 indices retracing from recent highs after an uninspiring session from Wall Street. The Dow Jones and SandP 500 indices closed up 0.12 percent and 0.10 percent respectively while the Nasdaq lost 0.02 percent. Oil prices advanced to their highest level in 12 months, backed by stimulus hopes, the vaccine rollout and OPEC+'s commitments to rein in production. Energy (2.18percent) and materials (1.36percent) were the best performing sectors, while healthcare (-0.66percent) and communication services (-0.10percent) trailed.

Market participants are waiting for another round of US fiscal stimulus to foster a faster pace of recovery via providing support to households, small businesses and the vaccine rollout. The Democrats are working towards approving President Joe Biden's US$ 1.9 trillion bill without Republican support. The Democrat-led Senate...