ASX set to rise again; US markets defy virus spread, weak jobs data

Summary

• ASX futures were up 0.4% and point to an early rise for the local benchmark. The ASX200 finished at a new nine-month high on Thursday
• US markets recovered to finish higher in overnight trade, shaking off a weak set of jobs figures and rising virus numbers 
• Bitcoin is back above $US18,000 to continue a sizzling run that has seen the cryptocurrency rise 50% in the past month  
• Crown Resorts has claimed the best way to prove it is fit to hold the licence for its new Sydney casino is to throw the doors open under close supervision and address shortcomings through a “working test”