Japan futures ease on deepening fears of a global slowdown

• Japanese rubber futures eased on Thursday as investor concerns over a slowing global economy deepened, triggered by weak economic data from top consumer China and ongoing trade uncertainty.

• The Osaka Exchange (OSE) rubber contract for October delivery TRB1!, TRB1! was down 1.5 yen, or 0.5%, at 292.4 yen ($2.04) per kg as of 0152 GMT.

• The contract declined 15.8% in April.

• Data on Wednesday showed that Chinese factory activity contracted at the fastest pace in 16 months in April, keeping alive calls for further stimulus.

• The U.S. economy contracted for the first time in three years in the first quarter, swamped by a flood of imports as businesses raced to avoid higher costs from tariffs and underscoring the disruptive nature of President Donald Trump's often chaotic trade policy.

• Japan's factory activity shrank for the 10th straight month in April on weaker overseas demand and worsening concerns about U.S. tariffs, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday.

• The Bank of Japan is likely to keep interest rates steady and cut its growth forecasts on Thursday, as uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs clouds the outlook for the world's fourth-largest economy.

• China's financial markets will be closed from May 1-5 for a public holiday. Trading will resume Tuesday, May 6.

• Singapore financial markets are closed on Thursday for Labour Day holiday.

($1 = 143.0900 yen)