The Malaysia stock market has moved higher in two straight sessions, gathering almost 10 points or 0.6 percent along the way. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index now sits just beneath the 1,545-point plateau although it may run out of steam on Friday.

The South Korea stock market on Thursday ended the four-day losing streak in which it had plunged almost 125 points or 4.6 percent. The KOSPI now sits just beneath the 2,635-point plateau although it may spin its wheels on Friday.

Japan will on Friday release March national figures for consumer prices, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In February, overall inflation was flat on month and up 2.8 percent on year, while core CPI also rose an annual 2.8 percent.

The U.S. dollar climbed higher on Thursday, gaining some ground against most of its major counterparts, after weekly jobless claims data indicated continued strength in the labor market.

Despite concerns about the outlook for Fed interest rates, the Canadian market ended on a positive note on Thursday, thanks largely to some sustained buying at several counters in the materials and utilities sectors.

Investors are keeping a close eye on gold as the conflict in the Middle East escalates with a possibility of a full-scale regional war in the area.

Euro Dollar up 0.4%, Dollar Yen down 0.2%, Gold Dollar drops 0.8%. Nike gains 0.2%. Dollar strong, impacting Yen. US stocks volatile on Fed concerns, Europe steady. Key events: US jobless claims, Australia employment, Eurozone meeting, Japan industry index, Australia unemployment rate.

The British pound sterling is showing signs of recovery, bouncing back from a five-month low, with GBP/USD stabilising around the 1.2470 mark on Thursday.

Euro edges higher despite continued hawkish commentary from Fed officials; Geopolitical developments cast doubt on ECB June rate cut; Yen fails to make considerable gains as market looks to Friday’s CPI data

Oil prices experienced a significant drop in the last session that was influenced by an accelerating build-up in U.S. crude inventories and concerns about oil demand.