Asian markets struggle for traction ahead of US inflation data

HONG KONG (AFP): Investors trod cautiously in early Asian trade Tuesday as they awaited US inflation data that could play a key role in determining when the Federal Reserve will start winding down its market-supporting monetary policy.

The first gain for Wall Street's S&P 500 and Dow after a five-day losing streak was not enough to spur a broad advance in Asia, though Tokyo was on course to clock its highest finish in more than 30 years on hopes for fresh stimulus.