JP Morgan cut Intel (INTC.O) PT to $80 from $85.

NZD/USD slipped in Asian trade on Friday, giving back part of the prior session's gains and ending a rebound from a two-week low. The pair traded around 0.5625 to 0.5630 and looked set for its first meaningful weekly decline in about three weeks after the RBNZ unexpectedly held the official cash rate at 2.75%, disappointing investors who had priced a near-certain 25bp hike. Four policymakers, including the governor, preferred to wait to assess the lagged effects of July and September hikes; the decision outweighed the MPC's overall tightening bias and pressured the New Zealand dollar. Ongoing dollar selling for a third session limited NZD downside, while elevated oil prices are keeping inflation concerns alive and reinforcing expectations the Fed will remain hawkish, which may cap further dollar weakness.

Japan's finance minister Katayama said the budget will consider the specific amount and treatment of surplus generated by Bank of Japan ETF sales.