Global FX DATA:

• • • ASIAN MARKET
      
      Asian shares rose to a fresh 2-1/2-month high on Thursday, supported by sound economic fundamentals, while expectations the European Central Bank (ECB) could start to wind down its stimulus boosted the euro and global bond yields.
       
    • GOLD
      
      Gold prices inched up on Thursday as the euro rose to 2-week highs against the U.S dollar, with investors waiting for meetings of key central banks and the U.S.-North Korea summit all due next week.
       
  • • OIL
      
      Oil prices rose on Thursday to shake off some of the previous session's losses, supported by plunging exports by OPEC-member Venezuela.
       
    • INDIA
      
      Growing inflation concerns prompted the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to raise its policy rate for the first time in over four years on Wednesday, but it surprised some economists by keeping its stance “neutral” instead of changing to “tighten”.
       
    • DOLLAR
      
      The euro held firm as investors started to focus on the European Central Bank’s policy meeting next week, while concerns that the United States could pull out of its trade agreement with Canada and Mexico hit their currencies.
       
    • CRYPTO CURRENCY
      
      Bitcoin prices rose on Thursday, while Ethereum and Ripple also gained more than 1%. Reports that Fidelity Investment is hiring employees to create a new crypto exchange garnered some attention.

    • MALAYSIA
      
      Malaysia’s anti-graft agency issued a notice on Thursday asking financier Low Taek Jho and one other person to assist in the investigation into a former unit of debt-laden state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

    • SINGAPORE
      
      Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan is set to arrive in Pyongyang on Thursday, the Singapore government said, days before it plays host to the leaders of North Korea and the United States at a summit.

    • CHINA
      
      China reiterated that it is willing to expand imports from the U.S. if the world’s two largest economies “meet half-way” in trade negotiations.

    • FRANKFURT
      
      Daimler AG unveiled on Wednesday an all-electric big rig truck it promises to have in production in 2021, as the German automaker mounts a major challenge to European and American rivals, including new entrants like Tesla Inc.

    • NEW ZEALAND
      
      Mike Hesson stunned New Zealand cricket on Thursday by announcing he will step down as coach at the end of next month, less than a year out from the World Cup.The 43-year-old, who was appointed to the role in 2012, is to leave the job on July 31. He said in a statement he wanted to spend more time with his family and felt he could not commit to the job for another 12 months.