The euro — already on the march against the dollar as the eurozone economy picks up — ploughed one percent higher Thursday to near two-year highs and in Asia managed to hold its ground, buying $1.1630. Fear of political paralysisSpooner added that the single currency had also been given support by Donald Trump’s ongoing travails. Most Asian equity markets slipped into the red on Friday, with profit-taking also acting as a drag after a healthy July so far. Tokyo was down 0.3 percent by the break, Hong Kong slipped 0.1 percent by the break after a nine-day rally, while Shanghai slipped 0.2 percent. Sydney eased 0.8 percent, Seoul was flat and Taipei shed 0.5 percent, while Manila and Jakarta also retreated.

Source: Manila Times July 21, 2017 03:22 UTC