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....