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...