Japan logs $10.4 billion trade deficit for May
Japan’s trade deficit for May expanded 9.5 percent from a year earlier to $10.4 billion, official data showed Wednesday as import costs rose on a weak yen.
Japan’s trade deficit for May expanded 9.5 percent from a year earlier to $10.4 billion, official data showed Wednesday as import costs rose on a weak yen.
Oil prices fell Monday as traders refrained from big moves ahead of a critical meeting of U.S. central bank policymakers later in the week.
Asian stocks rebounded Friday from Tokyo’s sharp decline after investors were encouraged by positive U.S. economic news.
Oil prices fell in line with Asian equities on Wednesday following the Bank of Japan’s decision to hold off unveiling any fresh economic stimulus, analysts said.
Stock markets were mostly lower in early Asian trading on Tuesday, as investors awaited the outcome of a policy meeting by Japan’s central bank, and Chinese markets remained closed for a national holiday.
India’s rupee hit a record low of 57.54 against the dollar on Monday, on growing demand for dollars among oil importers, while the greenback was also boosted by upbeat US jobs data.
The dollar strengthened in Asian trade Monday thanks to a better-than-expected US jobs report, as traders turn their focus to an upcoming policy meeting at the Bank of Japan.
The US trade deficit grew in April as consumers snapped up imported goods such as cellphones, televisions and clothing, official data showed Tuesday.
Asian stock markets were choppy Friday after lackluster U.S. economic reports raised expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would stick to its aggressive stimulus policies.
Tokyo stocks tumbled more than five percent on Thursday afternoon as jittery investors dumped shares following an overnight fall on Wall Street on the back of concerns over global growth.
Oil prices eased in Asia on Wednesday, with traders taking profits ahead of key inventory data from the United States, analysts said.
The European Commission moved on Tuesday to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on bio-diesel from Argentina and Indonesia, which account for some 20 percent of the 12-billion-euro EU market.
