Oil steadied around its 2016 high on Friday, supported by expectations of a production freeze by major exporters and dollar weakness that have pushed prices towards a fourth straight weekly gain.

 Asian shares were mostly lower on Wednesday while the dollar dithered as markets waited anxiously for the Federal Reserve to provide guidance on the risk of U.S. rate hikes this year.

 Asian stocks rose across the board on Thursday as crude oil extended gains on hopes that big producers will cap production, improving investor sentiment for riskier assets.