The Canadian market ended higher on Friday, lifted by gains in utilities, financials, energy and communications sectors.

After trading weak in the Asian and European sessions, the U.S. dollar slipped a bit deeper in the New York session on Friday, and despite rebounding as the session progressed, struggled to move any significantly above the flat line.

The Switzerland market ended on a firm note on Friday, with stocks recovering gradually after a weak start and emerging into positive territory in the penultimate hour of the day's trading session.

European stocks closed on a mixed note on Friday with investors mostly making cautious moves amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and continued uncertainty about Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory.

The euro was higher against its major counterparts in the New York session on Friday, as concerns about an escalation in the Middle East conflict eased after a subdued response from Iran to Israel's retaliatory attack.

Asia stocks fall on Middle East tensions; gold, safe-haven currencies rise. UK retail sales flat. Fed comments affect bond yields, USD.

Expert market comment made by senior analyst Alex Kuptsikevich of the FxPro Analyst Team: Halving helped Bitcoin digest sell-off

Gold, franc, yen and oil spike higher after Israel strikes Iran. But gains are pared after retaliatory response seen to be limited. Stocks head deeper into the red after disappointing tech earnings.

Gold prices have soared past 2400.00 USD, reaching a new record high on Friday. This marks the fifth consecutive week of gains for the precious metal, fuelled by increasing market demand for "safe-haven" assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertain global economic conditions.

USDCAD pauses aggressive bull run near five-month high. Faces resistance around 1.3800, but remains supported above 1.3690.