Dollar Slides as Inflation Backs Fed’s Lower-Rates Outlook

The dollar headed for a second weekly decline after a report Thursday showed U.S. inflation is well below Federal Reserve targets, backing central bank plans for gradual interest-rate increases.The U.S. currency weakened after the Fed cut its longer-term projections for U.S. borrowing costs Wednesday, dimming the allure of dollar-denominated assets. U.S. core inflation slowed in May and the overall consumer price index was unchanged for...

Oil Holds Gains Near $60 as U.S. Drilling Slowdown Cuts Supply

Oil held gains near $60 a barrel on track for a second weekly advance amid increasing signs the slowdown in U.S. drilling is reducing an oversupply.Futures were little changed in New York and 0.7 percent higher for the week. U.S. drillers have reduced the number of operating oil rigs for a record 27 weeks to the lowest level in almost five years, according to Baker Hughes Inc., and oil stockpiles have shrunk for seven consecutive weeks. ...

China Stocks Head for Worst Week Since 2008 Amid Margin Concern

China’s stocks fell, sending the benchmark index toward its steepest weekly loss since 2008, amid concern the government will clamp down on margin trading and valuations are excessive after a world-beating rally over the past year.The Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.5 percent to 4,712.15 at 9:33 a.m., extending losses to 8.7 percent this week. The China Securities Regulatory Commission is working on margin-trading risk management rules...

Shanghai Stocks Head for Worst Week Since 2009 as Futures Drop

China’s stock-index futures fell amid concern the government will clamp down on margin trading to avoid bubble risks and valuations have outstripped earnings growth.Futures on the CSI 300 Index expiring in July, the most active contract, slid 1.1 percent to 4,925 as of 9:18 a.m. local time. The China Securities Regulatory Commission is working on margin-trading risk management rules for securities firms, the 21st Century Business Herald reported,...

Asian Stocks Advance as Investors Await Bank of Japan Decision

Asian stocks rose for a second day, following gains in U.S. shares, as investors awaited a Bank of Japan policy decision. Energy shares led the advance.The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.3 percent to 146.91 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, paring this week’s slide to 0.8 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index jumped 1 percent on Thursday in New York and the Nasdaq Composite Index closed at a record high after the Federal Reserve signaled...