Futures pointed to a higher open for Asian markets on Friday, ahead of the crucial U.S. nonfarm payrolls data due later in the global day. The session in Asia will follow another positive close in U.S. equities overnight. Australia's SPI futures traded at 5,670, which was a touch higher than the ASX 200's previous close at 5,651.76. Nikkei futures in Chicago traded at 20,720 and Osaka futures were at 20,700. The Japanese benchmark index closed the Thursday session at 20,628.56. Markets in China and South Korea remain shut for public holidays. Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, market ... (full story)