German bund yields continue to plumb record depths below zero - the latest trough set at -0.63%.

U.S. business activity plumbed record lows in April, according to a survey, while weekly unemployment claims also rose.

New home sales plumbed record lows in February and housing starts recorded their biggest decline in 27 years.

The rupee plumbed record lows on Thursday, having shed more than 13 percent this year, allowing exporters to lower their offers.

However, there is no doubt it's economy is hurting -the rouble has plumbed record lows as capital flees or shuns the country.

Fixed-asset investment rose 5.4% for the full year, but growth had plumbed record lows in autumn.

Erdogan's announcement helped the lira TRYTOM=D3, which has plumbed record lows this month on widening concern about double-digit inflation and the outlook for monetary policy.

The single currency also plumbed record lows against the Australian and New Zealand currencies at A$1.1671 and NZ$1.5104 in thin early trade.