Asia stocks notch records; pound calm after Labour landslide

Asian stock markets reached new highs on Friday, buoyed by expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts in September and a positive investor sentiment. The euro reached a three-week high in anticipation of French elections.

Sterling held steady at $1.2767 amidst predictions of a decisive victory for Britain's Labour Party, which would end 14 years of Conservative rule. Meanwhile, the dollar showed slight weakness, and Treasury yields inched up in Tokyo following the U.S. Independence Day holiday.