ASX expected to rise as strong US jobs data boosts Wall Street

US jobs data unexpectedly boosted Wall Street on Friday, and this positive trend is anticipated to influence the ASX today. Rio Tinto is reportedly in talks to acquire lithium miner Arcadium, whose shares rose 36% on Friday. If successful, this deal would position Rio as the third-largest lithium producer globally. Arcadium's valuation is estimated between $4 billion and $6 billion. The company has engaged two investment banks for the negotiations, which are ongoing and may not lead to a final agreement.