WELLINGTON -- Asian shares are likely to inch higher on Friday, after US stocks broadly rose on news Citigroup Inc. would support legislation aimed at stemming home loan foreclosures.

That news offset a disappointing sales for December posted by retailer Wal-Mart Inc., which saw the Dow Jones close lower while the Nasdaq gained.

Japanese shares are set to eke out small gains, with Nikkei futures traded in Chicago closing at 9,040, down 10 points, but 180 points higher than the last trade in Osaka futures.

The US dollar fell as the market awaited the crucial non-farm payrolls data, with expectations the economy shed half a million jobs in December.

Crude oil prices slumped below $42 a barrel on economic gloom, while other commodities were generally weaker.