Stock market today: Asian shares slide further as rate cut, tariff worries hit market sentiment

Shares have fallen for a second day in Asia after U.S. markets were closed to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. U.S. futures were lower early Friday and oil prices advanced. The region's markets saw a broad decline, reflecting weakening confidence about the chances of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve given recent data showing unexpected strength in the U.S. economy. Uncertainties over how aggressively President-elect Donald Trump might pursue higher tariffs against China and other countries once he takes office also have left investors cautious just days ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration.