Dollar Near Two-Month High Versus Yen on Bets Fed to Raise Rates

The dollar was near a two-month high versus the yen amid speculation key jobs data on Friday will add to signs the U.S. economy is ready for an interest-rate increase. Japan’s currency was the second-biggest loser among major currencies against the greenback on Wednesday, after a U.S. report showed service providers expanded in July at the strongest pace in a decade. Friday’s figures are projected to show employers added more than 200,000...

Gold Bears Return as Traders Look to September for Rate Increase

The gold bears are back on the prowl. Futures in New York fell for the second time in three days amid mounting speculation that a resilient U.S. economy will allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates as soon as September. Prices extended declines as a private report showed that American service industries in July expanded at the strongest pace in a decade. Gold tumbled to a five-year low in late July on the outlook that the...

Asian Stocks Advance as U.S. Data Boost Confidence, Weaken Yen

Asian stocks rose, following a rebound in global shares, amid optimism over the American economy. Japanese equities climbed as the yen weakened. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained 0.4 percent to 141.64 as of 9:02 a.m. in Tokyo. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.3 percent on Wednesday as data showed the fastest pace of U.S. service-sector growth in a decade. Japan’s Topix index added 0.9 percent as the yen traded at 124.80...

Japan Stocks Rise for Second Day as Yen Weakens After U.S. Data

Japanese stocks rose for a second day after the yen weakened against the dollar amid better-than-estimated U.S. economic data and as investors weigh company earnings. The Topix index added 0.8 percent to 1,679.92 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo, with all but three of its 33 industry groups rising. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average climbed 0.7 percent to 20,756.69. The yen traded at 124.79 per dollar after weakening 0.4 percent on Wednesday, a third...

U.S. Stocks Rise Amid Tech Earnings, Stronger Services Growth

U.S. stocks rose for the first time in four days, amid better-than-estimated earnings from technology companies while services-industry data indicated the economy is on track for faster growth. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.3 percent to 2,099.91. at 4 p.m. in New York, after slipping 0.7 percent over the previous three sessions. Investors are watching economic reports to gauge when the Federal Reserve will increase interest...