Global FX DATA:

• • • ASIAN MARKET
      
      Asian shares stepped back on Friday while the dollar ran into some profit-taking after a strong week of gains as financial markets turned their attention to looming U.S. payrolls data for fresh catalysts.
       
    • GOLD
      
      Gold prices were little changed on Friday as investors awaited key U.S. jobs data due later in the day, while the dollar held steady after declining from 2018 highs hit earlier this week.
       
  • • OIL
      
      Oil prices held steady on Friday after shedding earlier gains, as market jitters kicked in over the prospect of geopolitical risks from possible new U.S. sanctions against Iran.
       
    • INDIA
      
      Activity in India’s dominant service sector accelerated in April thanks to a pick up in new business that encouraged firms to hire at the fastest pace in seven years, a private survey showed on Friday.
       
    • DOLLAR
      
      The dollar held steady against a basket of currencies on Friday, having retreated from four-month highs on profit-taking, with the focus on whether U.S. jobs data will provide the spark for another push higher.
       
    • CRYPTO CURRENCY
      
       Cryptocurrency prices rose morning in Asia. Reports that the defunct cryptocurrency exchange Mt Gox sparked concerns of an imminent price crash gathered some attention. Meanwhile, a hedge fund CEO voiced his optimism for the digital tokens.

    • SINGAPORE
      
      To deal with a familiar combination of falling currencies and uncertainty about economic growth, Asian central banks are reverting to their classic policy playbook. They are intervening in currency markets while concurrently injecting cash into their economies.

    • MAYANMAR
      
       Journalists in Myanmar believe their government is failing to defend media freedom despite the transition from harsh military rule to an elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a survey published to mark World Press Freedom Day on Thursday.

    • AUSTRALIA
      
      Australia’s AMP Ltd denied allegations it had submitted a doctored report to a regulator and committed a criminal offense, saying an inquiry into the country’s financial sector had overstated the wealth manager’s involvement.

    • IRAN
      
      Iran’s foreign minister said on Thursday U.S. demands to change its 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers were unacceptable as a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Europeans to “fix” the deal loomed.

    • INDONESIA
      
      Indonesia, like other emerging markets, has historically struggled to keep accurate records due to a lack of expertise and resources, but the public and private sectors are now looking at blockchain technology to overcome some of these challenges.

    • US
      
      U.S. job growth likely accelerated in April after a weather-related slowdown in the previous month, with the unemployment rate expected to drop to near a 17-1/2-year low of 4.0 percent.