The Singapore stock market has moved higher in three straight sessions, collecting more than 15 points or 0.5 percent along the way. The Straits Times Index now rests just beneath the 3,300-point plateau and it may extend its gains on Friday.

The Malaysia stock market bounced higher again on Thursday, one session after ending the two-day winning streak in which it had advanced almost 15 points or 1 percent. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index now sits just above the 1,580-point plateau and it may add to its winnings on Friday.

The services sector in Australia continued to expand in April, albeit at a slower rate, the latest survey from Judo Bank revealed on Friday with a services PMI score of 53.6.

The South Korea stock market on Thursday ended the three-day winning streak in which it had climbed almost 65 points or 2.5 percent. The KOSPI now sits just above the 2,680-point plateau and it's tipped to open in the green on Friday.

Australia will on Friday release March figures for home loans, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In February, loans were up 1.6 percent on month and investment lending added 1.2 percent.

Euro up, dollar-yen down, gold spikes, Google steady. Bank of Canada considers rate cut, Fed hints at future rate adjustment. Key economic events: Japan Consumer Confidence, Australia Trade Balance, US Labor Costs, Spain Unemployment Change, US Jobless Claims, Austria Unemployment Rate.

Brent crude oil prices have dropped to $83.95 per barrel on Thursday, marking the lowest level in seven weeks. This decline follows recent US statistics indicating a significant increase in crude oil inventories and production.

Fed appears less hawkish than expected - Dollar and Treasury yields pull back - Yen rallies on another round of suspected intervention - Wall Street trades cautiously ahead of NFPs

On 30 April – 1 May, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) will meet to decide on key interest rates in the U.S. economy. The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged.

Powell's dovish stance prompted a sharp decline in the strength of the U.S. dollar, while gold prices rebounded on the prospect of a softer dollar.