Euro ticks higher ahead of Greek debt referendum

The euro ticked higher in Asia on Thursday as an upbeat US jobs report boosted sentiment while investors looked to this weekend's referendum on Greece's bailout.

The common currency bought $1.1065 and 136.58 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, up from $1.1053 and 136.12 yen in New York.

The dollar was also higher at 123.42 yen against 123.15 yen in US trade and 122.48 yen in Tokyo earlier Wednesday.

A gauge of US manufacturing activity for June came in Wednesday at its highest level in five months, while a survey of private job creation marked its strongest reading this year.

Investors are now turning their focus to non-farm payrolls later Thursday, which is expected to supply more evidence that the world's top economy is gaining strength.

"It is hard to take positions ahead of the release of US unemployment figures, which are expected to show positive results," said Nomura Securities currency analyst Shinya Harui.

"The Greek referendum this weekend is another factor... Players first want to confirm the vote results, which may trigger further instability in the market," he added.

Greece goes to the polls Sunday to decide whether or not to accept creditors' bailout reform proposals, which European leaders have cast as an in/out vote on the country's future in the eurozone.

However, while creditors dismissed an offer from Greece for a new bailout -- which had been presented just before it defaulted -- traders are confident the crisis will eventually be resolved.

The dollar was mostly stronger against other Asia-Pacific currencies.

It rose to 13,352 Indonesian rupiah from 13,309 rupiah on Wednesday, to 33.78 Thai baht from 33.76 baht, to Sg$1.3516 from Sg$1.3457, and to 45.19 Philippine pesos from 45.07 pesos.

The US unit also rose to 1,123.18 won from 1,118.73 won and to Tw$30.91 from Tw$30.87 while it weakened to 63.60 Indian rupees from 63.66 rupees.

The Australian dollar eased to 76.47 US cents from 77.25 cents, while the Chinese yuan was at 19.87 yen against 19.73 yen.