Turkey - Factors to Watch on July 4

ISTANBUL, July 4 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events which could affect Turkish financial markets on Friday.

The lira <IYIX=> firmed to 1.2375 against the dollar in early interbank trade after closing at 1.2535 on Thursday. The main Istanbul stock index .XU100 rose 1.05 percent to 33,919.76 points on Thursday while the yield on the Jan. 13, 2010 benchmark bond <0#TRTSYSUM=IS> climbed to 22.83 percent from the previous session's 22.70 percent.

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks slipped on Friday as record high crude oil prices threatened to jeopardise earnings and curb consumer spending, with the uncertain economic outlook following U.S. jobs data boosting safe-heaven government bonds.

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AK PARTY CLOSURE CASE

Government spokesman Cemil Cicek presented the ruling AK Party's oral defence to the Constitutional Court on Thursday in a case aimed at closing down the party. The case coincides with a widening investigation into a suspected coup plot against the government.

Deputy head of the court Osman Paksut said the case could be completed within four or five weeks.