Most Asian currencies retreated on Thursday as weak U.S. economic data pushed up fears of a potential recession, while the Japanese yen recouped most of its recent losses on speculation that the Bank of Japan may yet increase its yield control range. The yen was the best-performing Asian currency for the day, rising 0.5% to
READ MOREThe Australian dollar reversed a recent rally on Thursday, as rising fears of a U.S. recession and soft local jobs data knocked the risk-sensitive currency, while the kiwi was little moved by the resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The Aussie eased 0.4% to 0.6910%, the softest level in one week, after hitting a five-month
READ MOREThe Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept its benchmark interest rates unchanged as expected on Wednesday, and also maintained its current rate of yield curve control, ducking market expectations for more hawkish signals. The Japanese yen plummeted after the move, dropping over 2% to 130.75 against the dollar, while yields on benchmark Japanese government bonds slumped
READ MOREThe U.K. labor market stayed stronger than expected in December, with the number of benefit claimants rising only moderately. At the same time, wage growth in November, the last month for which data are available, grew more strongly than expected, rising 6.4% on the year, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figures add
READ MOREThe Chinese economy grew at a slower pace in the fourth quarter of 2022, data showed on Tuesday, as disruptions caused by the country’s now relaxed zero-COVID policy weighed heavily on business activity, although the reading still beat expectations. Chinese gross domestic product (GPD) grew at an annualized rate of 2.9% in the three months
READ MOREOil prices fell Monday, consolidating after last week’s strong gains ahead of the release of demand forecasts from the OPEC and the IEA as well as a deluge of potentially influential economic data due this week. By 04:35 ET (09:35 GMT), U.S. crude futures traded 0.7% lower at $79.55 a barrel, while the Brent contract
READ MOREMost Asian stock markets surged on Monday, with Chinese indexes in the lead after the government rolled out more stimulus measures, while fears of more hawkish moves from the Bank of Japan saw local stocks tumble. China’s blue-chip Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index was the best performer in Asia, rallying 2% to a near five-month
READ MOREChina’s new home prices fell again in December as COVID-19 outbreaks hurt demand, with Beijing expected to roll out more measures to help sustain the recovery after the dismantling of pandemic curbs last month brightened the outlook. New home prices dropped both in monthly and annual terms, with continued weak demand a constraint to a
READ MOREUBS has no interest in buying fellow Swiss lender Credit Suisse, the bank’s Chairman Colm Kelleher said in a interview published on Saturday. The former Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) president said he was focused on organic growth rather than acquisitions and expanding its business in the United States as he ruled out any move to buy
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