Moody's on Monday lowered the European Union's long-term issuer rating outlook from stable to negative, saying the move reflected credit risks of the bloc's key budget contributors.
Millions of Muslims across Asia began celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday on Sunday, with a month of fasting giving way to feasting, family reunions and raucous festivities.
The euro stayed bearish against other currencies in Asia trade Friday after taking a hit from the European Central Bank's announcement of no immediate measures to fight the debt crisis.
The euro inched higher in Asian trade on Wednesday after hitting new multi-year lows against the dollar and yen amid worries over the European debt crisis.
The euro tumbled below 95 yen for the first time in almost 12 years on Monday as dealers rushed to the safe-haven Japanese unit owing to growing fears about Spain's debt crisis.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday urged Southeast Asian nations to promote workers' rights and improve labour conditions as a means of spurring economic growth.
The euro was under fresh selling pressure to fall below $1.22 in Asia trade on Friday after ratings agency Moody's on Friday downgraded Italy's government bond rating.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday urged Southeast Asian nations to help keep up pressure on Iran and end a diplomatic stalemate over talks on its suspect nuclear program.
Quitting smoking leads to an average weight gain of four to five kilogrammes (nine to 11 pounds) in the first year -- "significantly" more than previously thought.
Brent crude fell below $100 in Asia Tuesday, hours after a Norwegian crude supply disruption due to an oil workers' strike was ended by the government.