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Asia: Rally running out of steam

Asia: Rally running out of steam Faltering Japanese shares and lower prices in South Korea and Taiwan are putting the brakes on the Asian stock market rally. With a week to go, Morgan Stanley Capital International's Asia-Pacific index was 4.1 percent higher for the first quarter after climbing an aggregate 24 percent in the previous two quarters. Concern that borrowing costs will rise in the United States and elsewhere may limit further gains. "There's considerable nervousness about the direction of interest rates," said Geoff Lewis at JF Asset Management. "After having such a strong run earlier, markets need some time to

COMMODITIES-Base metals, gold extend losses in Asia

COMMODITIES-Base metals, gold extend losses in Asia Global base metal and gold markets extended their losses on Thursday as big investment funds continued to shy away from the once roaring bull markets as concern mounts about rising interest rates and metal supplies. Analysts said interest rates hikes in the United States and other countries could choke growth and any drop off in metal demand would cap chances of an early recovery in prices. "We have possibly seen the all-time high and it might take some time to get back to the same levels again," said David Thurtell, an analyst with the

Around Asia’s markets: Exporters swagger as the dollar rebounds

Around Asia's markets: Exporters swagger as the dollar rebounds Shares of automakers and technology companies may be among the best performers in Asia this quarter as they reap benefits from a rising U.S. dollar. "A stronger dollar is going to feed into exporters' earnings, and that's one theme that investors are chasing now," said Isaho Nakasho. He is seeking to add auto shares to the Asian stocks he manages for Fuji Investment Management in Tokyo. The dollar has risen as much as 4.7 percent this quarter against Asian currencies, including the yen, which fell to a 27-month low against the U.S.

Around Asias Markets: Ringgit could still have room to grow

Around Asias Markets: Ringgit could still have room to grow The Malaysian ringgit may extend four months of gains on optimism that growth in exports will add to the countrys trade surplus and generate demand for the currency, strategists at UBS and Westpac Banking say. Malaysia is among Asian countries under pressure from Group of 7 nations to allow faster gains to fix lopsided trade flows. The U.S. Treasury last week said China had made far too little progress in easing control over its exchange rate. China and Malaysia both ended currency pegs to the dollar July 21.

Decline in crude fuels rally

Decline in crude fuels rally TOKYO Asian stocks rose Monday as lower prices for crude oil eased concern that high fuel costs would curb economic growth. LG Electronics and Honda Motor led a rebound by exporters. "Falling oil prices boost investor confidence," said Mike Shiao, a fund manager at Invesco Taiwan in Taipei. The Morgan Stanley Capital International Asia-Pacific Index added 0.62 points to reach 120.47 in Tokyo, its highest point since April 2000. It has risen almost 19 percent this year. The Nikkei 225-stock average rose 218.41 points to 15,391.48. It has jumped 34 percent in 2005, and it is