SINGAPORE, July 8 — Most Southeast Asian stock markets fell today, while Asian shares were on track to post their biggest weekly loss in three weeks, as investors brace for US jobs data, counting on the resilience of the world's biggest economy to support growth.

Ahead of the closely-followed payrolls report later in the day, US data published yesterday was mostly positive.

US private payrolls increased more than expected in June as small businesses ramped up hiring, and fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week.

While a rebound in payrolls is expected, the unemployment rate is forecast rising to 4.8 per cent in June from an 8-1/2-year low of 4.7 per cent in May, according to a Reuters survey.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.45 per cent at 0357 GMT.

Singapore's stock index fell 0.9 per cent, dragged down by oil and gas shares after a five per cent fall in oil prices overnight. Keppel Corp Ltd lost nearly 2.5 per cent, while Sembcorp Industries Ltd dropped 1.4 per cent.

Oil prices recovered in Asian trading from the two-month lows hit in the previous session.

Traders said the outlook looked volatile as a glut in refined products and slowing economic growth weighed on markets.

Malaysian shares dropped 0.4 per cent, with energy stocks Petronas Gas Bhd losing two per cent and Sapurakencana Petroleum Bhd falling 2.9 per cent.

Vietnam index lost early gains and was down 0.6 per cent. Energy stocks led the fall with Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corp losing nearly three per cent.

The market looks "a little overbought right now” and may be due for some consolidation, said Fiachra MacCana, head of research at Ho Chi Minh Securities, adding that the positive effects of increased liquidity and the new government have been priced in at current levels.

Vietnam's economic growth in 2016 is expected to slow to 6.2-6.3 per cent, as export and industrial output growth is projected to fall short of target, a government official said.

The Philippine stocks bucked the trend and edged up 0.17 per cent, helped by financial and telecom stocks. — Reuters