Oil prices extended gains on Friday after a volatile week for the commodity, while the euro edged lower after rallying on an ECB assurance that Greek banks would have access to crucial funds. Investors seemed to shrug off a clash between Greece's new finance minister and his German counterpart over renegotiating Athens's debt and a strong rally on Wall Street provided support to most Asian markets. Sydney rose for a record 12th straight session, adding 0.16 percent, or 9.20 points, to close at 5,820.17, despite Australia's central bank lowering its 2015 economic growth forecasts.



More...