Asian shares, gold rise on US shutdown watch; crude falls

Shares in Asia edged higher and gold continued its record climb on Tuesday as markets weighed prospects for a US government shutdown that would delay closely watched jobs figures. The Australian dollar held gains before a meeting by the Reserve Bank of Australia where it is expected to hold pat on policy. Oil fell on prospects for increased production from OPEC+, while China's manufacturing activity shrank for a sixth month in September, official data showed. US Vice President JD Vance said the government appeared "headed to a shutdown" after little progress in budget talks between President Donald Trump and Democratic opponents. A government closure would halt the publishing of critical employment numbers later this week, putting the spotlight on the...