Malaysia's central bank kept benchmark interest rates unchanged on Thursday, as expected, amid signs of moderating growth and easing inflation, with economists saying it will likely stay on hold for the rest of the year.

Japan's nominal base salary grew at the fastest pace in 28 years in May, government data showed on Friday, adding fuel to the debate over when the central bank will unwind its ultra-loose monetary stimulus.

The U.S. services sector grew faster than expected in June as new orders picked up, but a measure of prices paid by businesses for inputs fell to more than a three year low, suggesting that the closely watched services inflation would continue to cool.

American employers slowed downsizing in June, announcing the lowest number of layoffs since October 2022.

Oil prices kept to a tight range on Friday as strong labor data fueled fears of rising U.S. interest rates, but were set for a second straight week of gains amid signs of tighter supplies and improving demand.

The dollar held tight ranges on Friday as investors awaited a key U.S. jobs report and weighed the prospect of higher-for-longer Federal Reserve interest rates against the economic growth outlook.