TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. oil fell nearly 2% on Friday as new lockdowns in Europe to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease raised questions about the outlook for crude demand, while markets remained on edge over the drawn-out vote counting in the U.S. election.

TOKYO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - A gauge of Asian shares rallied to a near three-year peak while the dollar stayed sluggish and U.S. bond yields slipped on Friday in anticipation that a divided U.S. legislature would limit major policy changes and keep the status quo on economic policies.

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar nursed losses against many currencies on Friday as a contentious U.S. presidential election diminished hopes for large stimulus to support the economy any time soon.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian shares climbed on Thursday and bonds extended their blistering rally as investors wagered the likely prospect of U.S. policy gridlock would greatly favour some industries while putting a restraining hand on government borrowing.

BANGKOK (The Nation/ANN): The prices of latex and rubber products have plummeted following the announcement of a lockdown in Europe to prevent Covid-19 from spreading, Thai Latex Association president Chaiphot Reungwarunwattana said.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian share markets firmed on Thursday while bonds held big gains as investors awaited a clear result from the U.S. election, with the likely prospect of policy gridlock seemingly warmly welcomed by Wall Street overnight.