European Stocks Little Changed, Heading for Seventh Weekly Gain

European stocks were little changed, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index heading for a seventh weekly advance, as investors awaited data on U.S. business activity. U.S. futures and Asian shares were also little changed. Societe Generale SA slipped 2.1 percent after Les Echos reported that the French bank��s Russian unit posted a decline in first-quarter profit. BNP Paribas SA lost 5.1 percent as a person familiar with the matter said U.S....

Japan Topix Index Rises to Cap First Monthly Advance This Year

Japan Topix index swung to a gain in the final minute of trading, capping the first monthly increase this year, as tiremakers and power producers climbed. Tokyo Electric Power Co. surged as much as 14 percent on a report the government is considering revising the law for compensation after nuclear accidents. Bridgestone Corp., Asia��s biggest manufacturer of tires, added 1.7 percent. Credit Saison Co. extended yesterday��s slump after...

European Stock-Index Futures Are Little Changed; SocGen May Move

European stock-index futures were little changed, as the Stoxx Europe 600 Index heading for a seventh weekly advance. U.S. futures and Asian shares were also little changed. Societe Generale SA may move after Les Echos reported that the French bank��s Russian unit posted a decline in first-quarter profit. BNP Paribas SA may be active as a person familiar with the matter said U.S. authorities are seeking more than $10 billion from the...

Hong Kong Stocks Head for Biggest Monthly Gain Since September

Stocks in Hong Kong and mainland China headed for May gains, with the Hang Seng Index poised for its steepest monthly rally since September, amid optimism that stimulus will lessen an economic slowdown. The benchmark measure of Hong Kong stocks added 0.2 percent to 23,062.25 at the midday-break in the city, set for a 4.2 percent jump in May. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index...

Japan Topix Swings, Poised for First Monthly Gain This Year

Japanese shares swung between gains and losses, with the Topix index headed for its first monthly advance this year, as tiremakers rose and consumer lenders fell. Credit Saison Co. extended yesterday��s slump after Credit Suisse Group AG cut its target price for the non-bank lender. Mitsubishi Estate Co., the country��s biggest developer, dropped 1.1 percent. Bridgestone Corp., Asia��s biggest producer of tires, climbed 0.9. percent....

Japan Topix Swings as Carmakers Gain While Real Estate Drops

Japan Topix index swung between gains and losses, after posting five days of advances, as carmakers climbed while shippers and developers retreated. Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest carmaker, gained 0.8 percent even as the yen strengthened. Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. headed for its highest close in five years after SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. boosted its rating on the seafood-product maker. Gauges tracking non-ferrous metal producers...

Mata Uang Yen mengalami Penguatan, Dollar Aussie Naik

Yen menguat untuk hari kedua versus dollar A.S, seiring berkurangnya daya tarik greenback r setelah yield treasury dengan tenor 10-tahun terjatuh menuju Sembilan bulan terendah yang berhubungan dengan surat hutang pemerintah Jepang dengan tingkat maturity yang serupa. Bulan ini yen telah mengalami kenaikan, sementara acuan yield treasury jatuh dibawah 2.5 % untuk pertama kalinya sejak Oktober. Dollar Australia naik setelah laporan yang...

H-Shares Hong Kong Menuju Gain Bulanan Terbesar sejak November

Saham China yang terdaftar di Hong Kong telah bergerak menuju gain bulanan terbesarnya sejak November silam dengan kenaikan yang dipimpin oleh produsen mobil. Kingsoft Corp. terjatuh setelah peringkat ekuitasnya dipangkas oleh kurang lebih tiga perusahaan pialang. Dongfeng Motor Group Co. naik 1.9% setelah JPMorgan Chase & Co. mengatakan bahwa jauh lebih sedikit bearish pada produsen mobil. Belle International Holdings Ltd., yang merupakan...

Index Topix Berayun Seiring Gain Produsen Mobil, Real Estate Jatuh

Index Topix berayun antara gain dan losses, setelah mencatatkan lima hari kenaikan seiring kenaikan saham produsen mobil sementara perusahaan ekspedisi dan juga para developer mengalami kemunduran. Toyota Motor Corp., gain 0.8% bahkan sehubungan dengan penguatan yen. Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. bergerak menuju penutupan tertingginya dalam lima tahun terakhir setelah SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. mendorong peringkatnya pada pembuat produk seafood. Acuan...

Hong Kong H-Shares Head for Biggest Monthly Gain Since November

Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong headed for their biggest monthly gain since November as automakers led the advance. Kingsoft Corp. dropped after its equity rating was cut by at least three brokerages. Dongfeng Motor Group Co. rose 1.9 percent after JPMorgan Chase & Co. said it’s much less bearish on carmakers. Belle International Holdings Ltd., a ladies footwear retailer, rebounded 2.3 percent after dropping 5.3 percent the past...

Brent Gains for First Time in Three Days on Ukraine; WTI Steady

Brent crude rose for the first time in three days amid speculation that escalating violence in Ukraine may disrupt supplies to Europe from Russia, the world��s largest energy exporter. West Texas Intermediate was steady in New York. Futures gained as much as 0.3 percent in London. Ukraine said it will press on with military operations against pro-Russian separatists after its forces retook Donetsk airport and inflicted œsignificant...

Gold Extends Retreat to 15-Week Low on Improving U.S. Economy

Gold fell to the lowest level in more than 15 weeks as U.S. economic data that beat estimates backed the case for the Federal Reserve to keep on reducing monetary stimulus and on concern demand in China is waning. Bullion for immediate delivery decreased as much as 0.3 percent to $1,261.71 an ounce, the lowest price since Feb. 7, and traded at $1,262.41 by 8:26 a.m. in Singapore, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. The metal sank...

Gold Futures Decline to Two-Week Low as Ukraine Outlook Weighed

Gold fell to a two-week low in New York as investors assessed whether the election of Ukraine��s president will ease tension with Russia, reducing the metal��s appeal as a haven.Ukraine��s President-elect Petro Poroshenko vowed to step up operations to rein in separatists in the east of the country as fighting continued after the weekend election. His victory has relieved the immediate pressure on the U.S. and the European Union to impose...

WTI Oil Falls From Five-Week High on Ample Supply; Brent Steady

West Texas Intermediate crude slipped from a five-week high on speculation that U.S. inventories are sufficient to meet increasing fuel demand. Brent traded near $110 after elections in Ukraine.Futures fell as much as 0.6 percent in New York. U.S. crude supplies rose in April to the highest level since the government began publishing weekly data in 1982 and remain near a record...

Dollar Strengthens After Durable Goods Orders Unexpectedly Gain

The dollar strengthened to almost a one-month high after a report showed U.S. orders for durable goods unexpectedly rose in April.The euro headed for the biggest monthly drop since January versus the U.S. currency after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi signaled yesterday that policy makers are ready to expand stimulus. South Africa��s rand slipped to the weakest level in almost a week as a report showed gross domestic product...

WTI Crude Trades Near Four-Week High Before U.S. Economic Data

West Texas Intermediate traded near the highest price in more than four weeks before data that may signal the strength of the economy in the U.S., the world��s biggest oil consumer. WTI for July delivery was at $104.29 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 6 cents, at 11:49 a.m. Sydney time. Yesterday��s transactions will be booked with today��s...

Yen Falls as Global Easing Bets Sap Haven Bid; Aussie, Kiwi Rise

The yen fell to the lowest in a week against the euro as gains in Asian stocks and speculation policy makers globally will add to measures supporting growth damped demand for haven assets. Japan currency dropped versus all except two of its 16 major counterparts before Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda speaks at a conference tomorrow. The Australian and New Zealand dollars climbed, paring declines this month. The euro was set for...

Gold Trades Below $1,300 on New Ukraine President, Euro Weakness

Gold traded below $1,300 an ounce as investors assessed whether the election of Ukraine��s president will ease tension with Russia and as the euro weakened against the dollar, reducing the appeal of the commodity. Bullion for immediate delivery was at $1,292.72 an ounce at 8:53 a.m. in Singapore from $1,292.91 yesterday, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. Gold has risen 7.6 percent this year partly on tension between Ukraine and...

Gold Holds Below $1,300; U.S. Economy Weighed Against Ukraine

Gold held below $1,300 an ounce as investors weighed the outlook for U.S. monetary stimulus against unrest in Ukraine. Assets in exchange-traded funds backed by platinum and palladium climbed to records.Gold fell 28 percent last year on expectations the Federal Reserve will reduce bond purchases as the economy improves. Prices rebounded 7.6 percent this year partly on tension between Ukraine and Russia. It��s Memorial Day in the U.S.Gold...

Dollar falls versus euro, rises against yen

MADRID -- The U.S. dollar fell against the euro on Monday, but the single currency stayed near three-month lows after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi hinted of monetary policy easing. The dollar rose to $1.3642 from $1.3630 in late North American trading on Friday. Expectations that the ECB will ease monetary policy when it meets next week have pressured the single currency in recent weeks. Draghi was speaking at the ECB...

Brent Crude Falls as Ukraine Elects President; WTI Declines

Brent crude fell amid speculation Ukraine��s election of a new president may help ease months of tension with Russia, the world��s biggest energy exporter. West Texas Intermediate slid in New York. Futures dropped as much 0.5 percent in London. Ukrainians voted billionaire Petro Poroshenko as president yesterday, handing him the task of stemming separatist unrest in the country, a conduit for Russian oil and natural gas supplies to...

China Stocks Climb on Policy Support Speculation; Carmakers Jump

China stocks rose, sending the benchmark index to the highest level in almost two weeks, amid speculation policy makers will take further steps to bolster economic growth. The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.4 percent to 2,042.52 as of 10:08 a.m. local time after Premier Li Keqiang said the nation will fine-tune policy to support the economy. SAIC Motor Corp. and Avic Aircraft Co. paced gains among transportation companies after...

Hong Kong Stocks Advance After Capping Back-to-Back Weekly Gains

Hong Kong stocks rose, after the city benchmark index capped two straight weekly gains, as energy and technology companies led the advance. The Hang Seng Index added 0.2 percent to 23,019.37 as of 9:31 a.m. in Hong Kong, heading for its highest close since April 14. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index increased 0.4 percent to 10,160.25. The gauge of mainland companies traded in the city climbed 1.7 percent last week, extending its...

Japans Topix Heads for Seven-Week High on Yen, U.S. Optimism

Japans Topix index headed for a seven-week high as the yen held declines and U.S. stocks climbed to a record after new home sales data buoyed optimism about the world��s largest economy. Electrical-appliance exporters provided the biggest boost to the Topix. Nikon Corp. climbed the most on the Nikkei 225 Stock Average after the camera maker��s equity rating was raised at Credit Suisse Group AG. Sony Corp. gained 3.6 percent after saying...

Hong Kong Stocks Swing After Capping Back-to-Back Weekly Gains

Hong Kong stocks swung between gains and losses on low trading volume, after the city��s benchmark index capped two straight weekly increases, as investors weighed whether China��s government will add to stimulus. Winsway Coking Coal Holdings Ltd. led declines for energy producers, which posted the biggest drop among the 11 industry groups on the Hang Seng Composite Index. PetroChina Co. dropped 1.1 percent, dragging on the Hang Seng...

What China Property Crash? Economists See Growth Bump

China’s biggest homebuilding slump in at least four years isn’t enough to dissuade a majority of economists from predicting real estate will still contribute to 2014 growth. Property controls will be eased, they said in a Bloomberg News survey. While 12 of 18 economists say China has some national oversupply of housing, only seven say the market is in a bubble state countrywide, according to the survey conducted from May 15 to May 20. Half see...

Ukraine Forces Suffer Worst Losses of Crisis Amid Unrest

Violence in eastern Ukraine cast a shadow on this weekend’s presidential election, as government forces suffered their worst losses in battles with pro-Russian separatists since the secession campaign began in March. An attack by rebels near Volnovakha, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Donetsk, left 16 servicemen dead, First Deputy Health Minister Ruslan Salyutin said in televised remarks yesterday. One soldier was killed and two injured...

Asian Stocks Climb as Baht Rebounds; Palladium Declines

Asian stocks rose to the highest level in more than four months, led by Japanese shares, on signs of growth in the world’s largest economies. Palladium retreated from a 33-month high, while Thailand’s baht advanced, regaining some of yesterday’s losses following a military coup. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.4 percent by 2:20 p.m. in Tokyo, set for the highest close since the start of January. Japan’s Topix index rose 1.1 percent. Futures...

Gold Rises on U.S. Jobs Data as Palladium Jumps to 33-Month High

Gold futures rose after U.S. jobless claims increased more than forecast, boosting demand for the metal as a haven. Palladium climbed to a 33-month high on supply concerns, and platinum jumped to the highest since September. U.S. jobless claims increased to 326,000 in the week ended May 17, government figures showed today. The median forecast of 50 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a rise to 310,000. This year, gold has gained...

Asian Stocks Extend Weekly Increase on U.S. Manufacturing, Yen

Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark extending its weekly advance, after data showed U.S. manufacturing expanded and as the yen held yesterday��s losses. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.2 percent to 140.513 as of 9:02 a.m. in Tokyo, heading for a 0.6 percent gain this week. Japan��s Topix index rose 0.6 percent as the yen was little changed at 101.79 per dollar...

Gold Holds Decline After Fed as Palladium Nears 33-Month High

Gold held losses after the Federal Reserve said it sees a muted inflation risk from continued stimulus and assets in the SPDR Gold Trust fell to the lowest since December 2008. Palladium traded near a 33-month high. Bullion for immediate delivery was at $1,292.45 an ounce at 10:13 a.m. in Singapore from $1,292.04 yesterday when prices retreated 0.2 percent, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. Gold for August delivery advanced 0.4...

WTI Falls From 4-Week High Before China PMI Data; Brent Steady

West Texas Intermediate crude fell from the highest price in more than four weeks amid speculation that factory production in China remained in contraction for a fifth month. Brent was steady in London. Futures dropped as much as 0.4 percent in New York. HSBC Holdings Plc��s Purchasing Managers�� Index for China probably rose to 48.3 in May, according to a Bloomberg News survey...

Dollar Holds Advance on 200-Day Moving Average; Aussie Declines

The dollar remained higher against the yen after the U.S. currency rebounded from a key technical level at its 200-day moving average.The greenback also held gains after a rebound in stocks boosted investors�� appetite for risk and an increase in Treasury yields improved the allure of U.S. assets. Australia��s dollar fell against most major peers before a private survey forecast to signal manufacturing contracted for a fifth month in...

Gold Prices Decline as Federal Reserve Sees No Inflation Risk

Gold declined as the Federal Reserve said it sees a muted inflation risk from continued stimulus, lowering demand for the precious metal as a hedge against rising consumer costs. Gold for immediate delivery fell 0.3 percent to $1,290.68 an ounce at 2:32 p.m. in New York, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. On the Comex in New York, gold futures for June delivery closed 0.5 percent lower at $1,288.10 an ounce. The contract settled...

WTI Oil Rises to One-Month High on U.S. Supply Drop

West Texas Intermediate crude rose to a one-month high after an industry report showed U.S. stockpiles tumbled last week. Brent oil increased on unrest in Libya. Futures advanced as much as 0.9 percent in New York. Crude supplies dropped by 10.3 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute reported yesterday. A government report today will probably show inventories...

Gold Holds Below $1,300 as SPDR Assets Drop to Lowest Since 2008

Gold held below $1,300 an ounce before U.S. economic data that may provide clues on the outlook for monetary stimulus. Holdings in the largest exchange-traded product shrank to the lowest level since December 2008. Bullion for immediate delivery traded at $1,294.63 an ounce at 2:20 p.m. in Singapore from $1,294.37 yesterday, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. Assets in the...

Yen Gains as BOJ Refrains From Adding Stimulus; Aussie Declines

The yen rose versus all 16 major peers after the Bank of Japan refrained from expanding stimulus and said it expects a moderate economic recovery to continue.The currency was near a three-month high against the greenback as the U.S. yield premium over Japan shrank before the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve��s April meeting. Australia��s dollar held its sharpest loss in two months after consumer confidence dropped and iron...

Gold Holds Below $1,300 as SPDR Assets Drop to Lowest Since 2008

Gold held below $1,300 an ounce before U.S. economic data that may provide clues on the outlook for monetary stimulus. Holdings in the largest exchange-traded product shrank to the lowest since December 2008.Bullion for immediate delivery traded at $1,294.03 an ounce at 9:47 a.m. in Singapore from $1,294.37 yesterday, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. Assets in the SPDR Gold Trust dropped to 780.19 metric tons yesterday, the lowest...

WTI Oil Advances as U.S. Crude Stockpiles Shrink; Brent Steady

West Texas Intermediate advanced for the third time in four days after industry data showed crude stockpiles declined in the U.S., the world��s biggest oil user. Brent in London was steady.July futures rose as much as 0.6 percent in New York. Crude supplies shrank by 10.3 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute said yesterday. A government report today will probably show inventories unchanged near a record high, according...

WTI Oil Falls on Ample U.S. Crude Supply; Brent Trades Near $109

West Texas Intermediate crude slipped from a four-week high on speculation that U.S. inventories are adequate to meet demand from refineries making gasoline for the peak-demand summer months. Brent traded near $109 a barrel. Futures fell as much as 0.3 percent in New York. A government report tomorrow will probably show that U.S. crude supplies were unchanged near a record high, according to a Bloomberg survey. WTI has climbed relative...

Dollar Under Preassure in Asia After Mixed Data

The dollar slipped in Asia Monday following mixed US data and simmering geopolitical concerns, while the Indian rupee sat close to one-year highs after the pro-business opposition won the country's general election.In afternoon Tokyo trading, the greenback fetched 101.43 yen, against 101.54 yen in New York Friday afternoon.The euro rose to $1.3700 from $1.3695 while changing hands at 138.98 yen against 139.08 yen.On Friday, data showed...

Gold Climbs First Time in Three Days on India Demand Speculation

Gold futures climbed for the first time in three sessions on speculation that the newly elected Indian government will relax import restrictions, increasing demand for the precious metal. India, the world��s biggest bullion consumer after China, will probably cut the 10 percent tax on shipments in July and relax rules on importers, Bachhraj Bamalwa, a director with the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation, said today. The new...

Gold Rise on Speculation of India Relaxing Import Restrictions

Gold climbed for the first time in three days in New York on speculation the new Indian government will relax import restrictions on the metal. Incoming Indian leader Narendra Modi told thousands of supporters over the weekend that he represented a break from past governments after winning the nation��s biggest electoral mandate in 30 years. The new India finance minister will decide on easing gold import curbs, Reserve Bank of India...

Gold Climbs on Speculation of India Relaxing Import Restrictions

Gold climbed for the first time in three days in London on speculation the new Indian government will relax import restrictions on the metal. Incoming Indian leader Narendra Modi told thousands of supporters over the weekend that he represented a break from past governments after winning the nation��s biggest electoral mandate in 30 years. The new India finance minister will decide on easing gold import curbs, Reserve Bank of India...

Gold Holds Below $1,300 as U.S. Economy Weighed Against Ukraine

Gold held below $1,300 an ounce as investors assessed the health of the U.S. economy and the impact on monetary stimulus against tension in Ukraine. Bullion for immediate delivery rose and fell at least 0.3 percent before trading at $1,295.99 an ounce at 2:43 p.m. in Singapore from $1,293.52 on May 16, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. Last week, the metal completed the first weekly gain in three as rebels fought government forces...