Dollar Near 120 Yen on U.S. Economy, Aussie Declines on GDP Miss

The dollar rose to a seven-year high versus the yen before economic data this week that analysts predict will back the case for tighter U.S. monetary policy as Japan and Europe push forward with stimulus. The greenback was 0.2 percent from its strongest in two years against the euro before the European Central Bank meets tomorrow. Australias currency slid after a report showed economic growth was lower than forecast. New Zealands...

Gold Trades Below Five-Week High as Dollar Strength Hurts Demand

Gold held below a five-week high as a strengthening dollar curbed demand for a store of value, with a U.S. policy maker saying the Federal Reserve is getting closer to replacing its vow to hold rates low for a considerable time. Bullion for immediate delivery rose and fell at least 0.2 percent, and traded at $1,195.88 an ounce at 8:56 a.m. in Singapore from $1,198.28 yesterday, when prices fell 1.1 percent, according to Bloomberg generic...

Asian Stocks Follow U.S. Equities Higher as Yen Holds Decline

Asian stocks advanced for a second day, following U.S. equities higher, as Japans Topix index rallied on a weaker yen and investors weighed the impact of a slump in oil prices on the global economic outlook. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.2 percent to 140.25 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, with twice as many stocks rising as falling. The Topix added 0.4 percent as Japans currency held yesterdays 0.7 percent drop. U.S. shares rallied...

Japan Stocks Rise for Fourth Day as Topix Extends Six-Year High

Japanese stocks rose a fourth day, with the Topix index poised to extend its highest close since 2007, as exporters advanced after the yen weakened and brokerages led gains. The Topix added 0.4 percent to 1,433.98 as of 9:07 a.m. in Tokyo, heading for its highest close since Dec. 28, 2007. All but five of its 33 industry groups climbed. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.6...

U.S. Stocks Rise Amid Economic Optimism as Biotech, Energy Rally

U.S. stocks rose, sending the Standard & Poors 500 Index to its best day since October, as biotechnology and energy companies rallied and data on construction spending boosted confidence in the economy. Biogen Idec Inc. led gains in health-care shares after its Alzheimers drug showed promising early results. Energy shares climbed 1.3 percent even as oil resumed a selloff. Genworth Financial Inc. slid 5.8 percent as JPMorgan Chase...