Global FX TESTING DATA:

• • • Asian markets
      
      

       Asian shares gained off a record Wall Street finish and with regional sentiment upbeat.

    • GOLD
      
      
      Gold dipped in Asia on Thursday with the latest minutes weighing as they expressed optimism about the economy and concern about financial markets, hinting at a steady rate hike view for 2018
       
    • OIL
      
       U.S. oil prices remained near two-year highs on Thursday as the shutdown of the Keystone pipeline and a drawdown in fuel inventories pointed to a tightening market, despite rising output.

    • FRANCE
      
      France's strength in depth makes them the favorites for this week's Davis Cup final against Belgium, who will need David Goffin to be at his very best to stand a chance in the three-day showdown in Lille.

    • CHINA
      
      China's internet regulator had said it will purge the "evil influence" of its former top official who the ruling Communist Party has put under investigation for suspected corruption.
       
    • SINGAPORE
      
      Singapore raised its economic growth forecast for this year to 3 percent to 3.5 percent after third-quarter data beat projections on the back of stronger exports and manufacturing.
       
    • SAUDI ARABIA
      
      Saudi Arabia has agreed to buy about $7 billion worth of precision guided munitions from U.S. defense contractors, sources familiar with the matter said, a deal that some lawmakers may object to over American weapons having contributed to civilian deaths in the Saudi campaign in Yemen.
       
    • INDIA
      
       India has approved a three-year budget for its flagship public health programme almost 20 percent lower than what the health ministry said was needed, according to sources and previously unreported government documents reviewed
       
    • LEBANS
      
      Lebanon’s Saad al-Hariri on Wednesday shelved his decision to resign as prime minister at the request of President Michel Aoun, easing a crisis that had deepened tensions in the Middle East.
       
    • AUSTRALIA
      

       Australia called on Thursday on the United States to build a strong presence in Asia and bolster ties with "like-minded" partners while warning against China's rising influence.
       

    • BRISBANE
      
      Alastair Cook fell cheaply but Mark Stoneman and James Vince showed impressive defiance in their Ashes debuts to steer England to 59 for one at lunch on the first day of the series-opening test in Brisbane on Thursday.