Category: global

Oil Falls as Outlook for China, Global Economy Weigh

LONDON—Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday in volatile trade as weak demand data from China and a gloomy economic outlook weighed. Brent crude futures fell 46 cents, or 0.54 percent, to $85.45 a barrel by 1017 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 38 cents, or 0.47 percent, at $79.88. Both contracts rose by…


Dollar Creeps Up in Subdued Start to New Year

LONDON—The dollar edged up on Monday, pulling away from recent six-month lows against a basket of major currencies. The U.S. currency has weakened as markets bet a Federal Reserve tightening cycle may be nearing an end. Sentiment remained fragile and the first trading day of the year was subdued, with many countries, including big trading…


World Markets Mixed After S&P 500 Ends Worst Year Since 2008

BANGKOK—Shares began the year mixed, with European benchmarks opening higher on Monday after a lackluster session for the few Asian markets not closed for New Year holidays. U.S. markets are also closed. This week brings employment data and minutes from the latest meeting of the Federal Reserve, as 2023 begins with persisting uncertainties over the…


US Dollar Index Set for Biggest Annual Gain Since 2015

LONDON/SINGAPORE—The dollar was on track for its biggest annual gain since 2015 on Friday, in the last trading day of a year dominated by Federal Reserve rate hikes and fears of a sharp slowdown in global growth. European stock indexes were in the red in early trading on Friday. Asian equities had risen earlier in…


Oil Set to End Turbulent 2022 With Second Annual Gain

LONDON—Oil rose on Friday and was on track for a second straight annual gain in a volatile year marked by tight supplies because of the Ukraine war and weakening demand from the world’s top crude importer, China. Crude surged in March with global benchmark Brent reaching $139.13 a barrel, the highest since 2008, after Russia’s…


World Stocks Eye Glum 2022 While Dollar Triumphs

LONDON/SINGAPORE—World stocks were steady on the last trading day of the year as markets digested U.S. data and the dismantling of China’s zero-COVID policy, but the global index was heading for a 20 percent drop over a year marred by high inflation and war in Europe. The dollar, a beneficiary of rising U.S. interest rates,…


Dollar Slips as Traders Weigh China Outlook; Sterling Gains

SINGAPORE/LONDON—The dollar slipped on Thursday after rising in the previous session, with investors on edge at the end of the year as initial optimism over China’s reopening fizzled. The yen was last 0.56 percent higher at 133.72 against the dollar. That followed a 0.73 percent fall on Wednesday which saw the yen hit a one-week…


Oil Falls as China COVID-19 Spike Dampens Demand Outlook

LONDON—Oil prices fell by over 2 percent on Thursday as surging COVID-19 cases in China dimmed hopes of a recovery in fuel demand for the world’s largest crude oil importer. Brent futures for February fell $1.67, or 2.01 percent, to $81.59 a barrel by 0953 GMT. The more active March contract fell 1.79 percent to…


World Shares Extend Losses After Wall Street Decline

BANGKOK—Shares slipped in Europe and Asia on Thursday after benchmarks fell more than 1 percent on Wall Street in the middle of a mostly quiet and holiday-shortened week. U.S. futures were mixed and oil prices declined more than $1 a barrel. Investors are watching to see how China’s relaxation of its stringent COVID-19 policies, and…


Dollar Touches 1-week High Versus Yen Thanks to Rise in Bond Yields

LONDON/TOKYO—The dollar touched its highest in over a week against the yen on Wednesday, boosted by a jump in Treasury yields and by anticipation among investors of a rebound in Chinese growth as COVID-19 curbs loosen. The yen also came under pressure after the Bank of Japan signaled that a surprise policy shift last week…