Topix Extends Six-Year High as Airlines, Shippers Gain on Oil

Japanese stocks rose, with the Topix index extending a six-year high, as a weaker yen boosted exporters while airlines and shippers climbed on a slide in oil. The Topix added 0.4 percent to 1,415.57 as of 9:05 a.m. in Tokyo after closing last week at its highest level since June 2008. The measure gained 5.8 percent in November, the biggest monthly advance since September 2013. All but seven of the 33 industry...

Asian Stocks Decline as Oil Rout Drags Commodity Producers Lower

Asian stocks fell for a third day and U.S. equity-index futures declined as oil extended its slump. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index slid 0.3 percent to 140.25 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, before markets opened in China and Hong Kong. Energy producers posted the largest declines last week as Brent oil extended its 2014 rout to 37 percent amid a glut in supply. West Texas Intermediate crude today dropped below $65 a barrel for the first time since...

Gold Futures Drop Most in Three Weeks on Dollar Gain, Lower Oil

Gold futures capped the biggest decline in three weeks as a stronger dollar and plunging energy prices curbed demand for the metal. Silver plunged the most in 17 months. Benchmark Brent crude yesterday fell the most in more than three years after the 12-nation Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries kept its output target unchanged, cutting golds appeal as an inflation hedge. The dollar rose to a five-year high against a basket...

Dollar Set for Weekly Gain on U.S. Outperformance; Aussie Falls

The dollar headed for a sixth weekly gain as traders bet the U.S. economic recovery will outpace the performance of Europe and Japan. The euro held its first decline in four days before data today forecast to show the regions inflation matched the slowest pace since 2009, adding pressure on the European Central Bank to increase stimulus. The yen weakened after a report showed Japans household spending declined for a seventh month. The...

WTI Heads for Biggest Weekly Drop in Three Years on OPEC Action

West Texas Intermediate headed for the biggest weekly decline in three years after OPEC took no action to ease a global supply glut and stem a slide in prices that has driven oil into a bear market. Futures dropped as much as 8.1 percent in New York. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries maintained its collective target of 30 million barrels a day, Ali Al-Naimi, Saudi Arabias oil minister, said yesterday after the 12-member...

Inflation of Japan Slows for Third Month in Challenge for Kuroda

Japans consumer price gains slowed for a third straight month, challenging Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kurodas effort to stoke faster inflation.Consumer prices excluding fresh food increased 2.9 percent in October from a year earlier, the statistics bureau said today in Tokyo, matching the median projection in a Bloomberg News survey of economists. Stripped of the effect of Aprils sales-tax increase, core inflation -- the BOJs key...

Japan Stocks Rise as Investors Weigh Economic Data, Oil Prices

Japanese stocks rose as investors weighed economic data and as oil prices slid after OPEC took no action to ease a global supply glut. The Topix gained 0.5 percent to 1,398.10 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, with all but three of its 33 industry groups rising. The measure is headed for 0.2 percent loss this week and a 4.8 percent gain in November. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added...

Most Asian Stocks Rise as Japan Climbs After Data; Energy Drops

Most Asian stocks rose as Japanese equities advanced as investors weighed economic data including inflation. Energy shares led losses after oil prices plunged. Almost two shares rose for each that fell on the MSCI Asia Pacific Index, which rose less than 0.1 percent to 140.84 as of 9:05 a.m. in Tokyo. The measure is heading for a 0.6 percent weekly advance, paring its monthly decline to 0.7 percent. Japans Topix index climbed 0.8 percent...

Gold Futures Slip as U.S. Equities Trade Near All-Time High

Gold futures slipped in New York as U.S. equities traded near record highs, paring demand for the metal as an alternative asset. The Standard & Poors 500 Index of equities advanced to a record yesterday. U.S. stocks fluctuated today, as reports showed the number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest since early September and orders for U.S. business equipment...

Gold Trades Near 3-Week High Before Data on U.S. Durable Goods

Gold was little changed near a three-week high as investors waited for data on the health of the U.S. economy. U.S. data on initial jobless claims, durable goods, consumer confidence, home sales and personal spending are due today before the Thanksgiving holiday. The metal slid yesterday, before recovering to close higher, after data showed the U.S. economy expanded in the third quarter more than forecast. Gold for February delivery...

European Stocks at Two-Month High as DAX Rallies for 10th Day

European stocks closed unchanged at a two-month high, with German equities posting their longest winning streak since May 2013.The Stoxx Europe 600 Index stood at 346.28 at the close of trading, after earlier rising as much as 0.4 percent. Utility companies were among the biggest gainers, with RWE AG and EON SE helping push Germanys DAX Index up 0.6 percent. The European gauge has rebounded 12 percent from this years low in October amid...

U.S. Stocks Fluctuate Near Record Levels Amid Economic Reports

U.S. stocks fluctuated, with benchmark indexes near all-time highs, as investors assessed data on labor, manufacturing and housing to gauge the strength of the American economy. Phone companies climbed 1 percent, while technology stocks gained as Hewlett-Packard Co. rose to the highest level since May 2011 even after missing analyst estimates in an earnings report yesterday. Energy producers decreased as...

Oil Extends Slump Before OPEC as Japan Stocks Drop With Dollar

Crude oil dropped a third day, extending losses from a four-year low amid concern OPEC members may fail to agree on output cuts when they meet in Austria this week. Japanese stocks retreated as Asian currencies, including the yen, strengthened against the dollar. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 0.3 percent to $73.87 a barrel by 9:28 a.m. in Tokyo, after sinking 2.2 percent...

Gold Futures Climb as U.S. Dollar Falls From Five-Year High

Gold futures gained for the second time in three sessions as the dollar fell from a five-year high, boosting demand for the metal as an alternative investment. The dollar lost as much as 0.2 against a basket of 10 currencies after touching the highest since March 2009. Bullion slid earlier after a government report showed the U.S. economy expanded more than expected, damping demand for the metal as a store of value. Gold has fallen...

Asian Stocks Rise for Fourth Day as Materials Shares Lead Gains

Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index heading for a fourth day of gains, as materials and health-care shares advanced, countering a decline in Japans Topix index amid a stronger yen. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.1 percent to 140.90 as of 9:03 a.m. in Tokyo after rising 1.1 percent the past three trading days. Japans Topix slid 0.3 percent as the yen gained 0.1 percent to 117.81 per dollar after advancing 0.3 percent...

Japan’s Topix Index Retreats From 6-Year High as Yen Strengthens

Japanese stocks fell, with the Topix index retreating from a six-year high, as the yen maintained gains against the dollar. Paper manufacturers led declines and drug companies rose. The Topix lost 0.2 percent to 1,406.23 as of 9:02 a.m. in Tokyo, with eight stocks falling for every six that rose, after closing yesterday the highest level since June 2008. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average slipped 0.3 percent to 17,360.21 today. The yen traded...

S&P 500 Little Changed Near Record on GDP, Consumer Confidence

The Standard & Poors 500 Index was little changed after closing yesterday at a record, as data showing the economy expanded more than previously forecast in the third quarter was offset by a drop in consumer confidence.The S&P 500 slipped 0.1 percent to 2,067.48 at 4 p.m. in New York, following three days of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 6.13 points, or less...

WTI Drops a Second Day as OPEC Considers Sparing Three From Cut

West Texas Intermediate crude fell for a second day as OPEC considered sparing three nations from potential output cuts when the group meets in Vienna this week. Futures slid as much as 0.4 percent in New York. Iraq, Iran and Libya wouldnt have to trim supplies should the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agree to a reduction, according to two people with knowledge of the proposal. This is not the first time the market is...

Yen Approaches Seven-Year Low Before Kuroda Speaks Amid Stimulus

The yen approached a seven-year low versus the dollar before Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda speaks today, as policy diverges from the Federal Reserve. The euro maintained gains from yesterday versus its major peers after European Central Bank Governing Council member Jens Weidmann said expanding bond purchases to government debt would face œlegal hurdles. New Zealands dollar held its first decline in three days before a quarterly...

Japan Stocks Gain With Dollar After U.S. Records as Oil Retreats

The dollar gained against most peers, while Japanese stocks increased after records in New York amid global central-bank efforts to prop up economic growth. Oil retreated with Norways krone. Japans Topix index climbed 0.7 percent by 9:11 a.m. in Tokyo, as the yen slipped 0.1 percent to 118.37. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.2 percent while a 1.9 percent drop by BHP Billiton Ltd. dragged Australias S&P/ASX 200 Index lower....

U.S. Stocks Extend Records, Europe Bonds Rise on Stimulus Bets

U.S. stocks extended all-time highs and European bonds gained amid speculation the European Central Bank will buy government debt to support growth. Natural gas led commodities lower and oil retreated. The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose 0.3 percent to an all-time high at 4 p.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed less than 0.1 percent to extend a record, while the Russell 2000 Index of small companies rallied...

Europe Stocks End Little Changed as Miners Drop While Banks Rise

European lenders pushed stocks to a two-month high, even as they pared gains in the final hour of trading amid a decline in miners and oil and gas companies. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.1 percent to 345.72 at the close of trading in London, after earlier jumping as much as 0.5 percent. The benchmark index gained 2.9 percent last week as Mario Draghi said the ECB needs...

Gold retains gains, firm above $1,200 on China rate cut

Gold traded firmly above $1,200 an ounce on Monday, retaining gains from the previous session on hopes that a surprise rate cut in China would boost demand for bullion in the top consumer. Spot gold was steady at $1,202.20 an ounce by 0028 GMT, after gaining 0.6 percent on Friday. Gold got a boost from short-covering after China cut interest rates unexpectedly on Friday, stepping...

Asian Stocks Rise Second Day as China Rate Cut Boosts Optimism

Asian stocks rose for a second day after U.S. indexes reached another record as Chinas unexpected interest-rate cut stoked optimism in the global economy. The MSCI Asia Pacific excluding Japan Index climbed 0.5 percent to 475.75 as of 9:02 a.m. in Seoul. China reduced interest rates last week, joining the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan in deploying fresh stimulus....

Gold Falls for Second Day Amid Bets Fed to Raise Interest Rates

Gold futures fell for the second straight day amid speculation that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates as the U.S. economy gains momentum, crimping demand for the metal as an alternate investment. Global holdings in exchange-traded products backed by gold have extended a slump to the lowest in five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Yesterday, a poll showed Swiss voters will reject an initiative that would require...

Gold Futures Trade Below Two-Week High as Fed to Buying Weighed

Gold futures traded little changed below a two-week high as investors weighed expectations for higher U.S. interest rates against signs of more physical buying. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index traded near a five-year high on the outlook for Japan to extend a stimulus program and after minutes of the Federal Reserves Oct. 28-29 meeting showed the U.S. moving toward higher interest rates. Higher borrowing costs cut the allure of the...

U.S. Stocks Rises as Energy, Economy Outweigh Overseas Concerns

U.S. stocks rose, led by energy companies and small-cap shares, as data showing improvements in the American economy overshadowed concern over weaker growth overseas. The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose 0.2 percent to 2,052.68 at 4 p.m. in New York, erasing an earlier loss. The Russell 2000 Index of smaller companies climbed 1.1 percent. Purchases of previously owned U.S....

S&P 500 Rises on Economy Strength; Europe Stocks Fall on Data

The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose, as data showing strength in the U.S. economy overshadowed reports of slowing manufacturing in Europe and China that sent industrial metals and European equities lower. The S&P 500 added 0.2 percent at 12:27 p.m. in New York, erasing earlier losses of 0.4 percent as retailers and energy shares rallied. The gauge is poised for a record close. The Russell 2000 Index of small companies jumped...

European Stocks Decline With Miners as Manufacturing Slows

European stocks declined as miners fell after manufacturing data missed economists estimates for the region and China. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index dropped 0.3 percent to 338.28 at the close of trading. A gauge of mining stocks fell to its lowest level this year, with iron-ore producers BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio Tinto Group losing more than 2.5 percent. National equity indexes of Spain and Italy dropped the most among 18 western-European...

Dollar Extends Yen Gains as Asian Stocks Retreat With Oil

The dollar climbed, rising to its strongest level in more than seven years versus the yen on divergence in U.S. and Japanese monetary policy. Mining and energy stocks led Asian shares lower amid a rout in iron ore prices and as crude oil extended declines into a fourth day. The greenback added 0.1 percent to 118.05 yen by 9:27 a.m. in Tokyo, touching its highest level since Aug. 14, 2007 in a sixth day of gains. The Korean won slid,...

WTI Oil Declines a Fourth Day as U.S. Crude Stockpiles Increase

West Texas Intermediate dropped for a fourth day as crude inventories rose in the U.S., the worlds biggest oil consumer, and investors weighed the likelihood of OPEC cutting production. Futures declined as much as 0.4 percent in New York. U.S. crude stockpiles expanded by 2.6 million barrels last week to 381.1 million, according to an Energy Information Administration report. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries should...

Japan’s Exports Exceed Estimates to Rise Most in Eight Months

Japans exports rose the most in eight months in October, supporting an economy that fell into recession last quarter. Overseas shipments rose 9.6 percent from a year earlier, the finance ministry said in Tokyo today, compared with the median estimate for a 4.5 percent increase in a Bloomberg News survey. Imports grew 2.7 percent, leaving a trade deficit of 710 billion yen ($6 billion). Rising exports will provide support for the economy...

Asian Stocks Retreat on Fed Minutes; Japan Shares Climb on Yen

Asian stocks fell a second day after Federal Reserve minutes showed some U.S. policy makers were concerned about low inflation. Shares in Japan gained as the yen weakened past 118 per dollar. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index (MXAP) lost 0.1 percent to 139.54 as of 9:04 a.m. in Tokyo after dropping 0.7 percent yesterday. Many Fed officials saw a need to remain attentive to signs of a drop in inflation expectations, according to minutes of...

Japan Topix Rises for Third Day as Yen Touches Seven-Year Low

Japanese stocks rose, with the Topix headed for a third day of gains, as the yen touched a seven-year low against the dollar after minutes of the Federal Reserve highlighted a divergence in global monetary policy. The Topix added 0.6 percent to 1,404.81 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, with all of its 33 industry groups rising. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 0.7 percent to 17,403.86....

Yen Drops as Abe Delays Sales Tax, Calls Early Vote; Krona Rises

The yen fell against the euro and touched its weakest in more than seven years against the dollar as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called an early election and suspended a planned sales-tax increase. Japans currency slipped against most of its 16 major peers as Abe said he will dissolve parliament on Nov. 21. The euro rallied as German investor confidence rose for the first time in 11 months. Russias ruble strengthened as the tax...

Gold gains as dollar falls in the wake of Japan economic moves

Gold prices jumped Tuesday as the dollar eased against major currencies amid economic and political news, and as equities continued to get stuck in a tight trading range. Gold for December delivery gained $13.60, or 1.2%, to settle at $1,197.10 an ounce. December silver tacked on 12 cents, or 0.7%, to $16.17 an ounce. The dollars fall against major currencies resulted in gold...

Japanese Stocks Rise After Abe Shelves Sales Tax, Calls Election

Japanese stocks rose after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe postponed a planned sales-tax increase, called a snap election and ordered his ministers to start preparing a stimulus package. The Topix index climbed 0.6 percent to 1,402.67 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo after gaining 2.1 percent yesterday. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.4 percent to 17,415.72 today. The yen slipped 0.1 percent...

Asian Stocks Follow U.S. Equities Higher as Abe Calls Election

Most Asian stocks rose after Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called an early election and U.S. equities rallied to all-time highs. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.1 percent to 140.75 as of 9:05 a.m. in Tokyo, with three shares advancing for each that fell. Japans parliament will be dissolved on Nov. 21, Abe said at a press conference yesterday in Tokyo, without giving an election date. He also delayed for 18 months a second planned...

U.S. Stocks Advance on Economic Optimism as Health-Care Gains

U.S. stocks rose, sending benchmark indexes to all-time highs, as health-care and raw-material companies rallied amid speculation the economy is strong enough to overcome a global slowdown. The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose 0.5 percent to 2,051.81 at 4 p.m. in New York, for its biggest gain since Nov. 5. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 40.07 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,687.82. The S&P 500 has rallied to records...