Platinum Futures Fall in Tokyo on Rising Yen, Concern That Demand May Slow

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum futures fell in Tokyo as a
rising Japanese currency reduced the appeal of buying yen-
denominated contracts for the dollar-priced metal, and as
a slump in world stocks raised concern that demand may drop.

The yen rose to 117.19 to the dollar, the highest since
March 29, on signs losses related to U.S. subprime mortgages are
starting to slow growth of the world's largest economy. Asian
stocks fell after the Standard & Poor's 500 Index had its biggest
three-week decline since 2003.


Read more at Bloomberg Commodities News

Yen Poised for Biggest Monthly Gain in Three Years Versus Dollar on Risks

(Bloomberg) -- The yen rose, heading for the biggest
monthly advance in almost three years against the dollar, on
concern losses from U.S. subprime mortgages will drive investors
from riskier assets.

The Japanese currency has gained against all 16 major
currencies tracked by Bloomberg this month as investors pared
higher-yielding investments funded by loans in Japan, a practice
known as the carry trade. U.S. stocks dropped, erasing early
gains, and a gauge of corporate bond risk increased, adding to
yen buying today.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

Platinum Futures Fall Daily Limit in Tokyo on Rising Yen, Demand Concern

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum futures in Tokyo declined
by the daily limit to a two-month low as a rising yen against
the dollar reduced the value of yen-denominated futures, and
amid concern that platinum usage in autocatalysts may decline.

The yen rose to the highest in more than three months
versus the dollar on July 27 as a fall in stocks caused traders
to repay Japanese currency loans used to fund high-yielding
investments.


Read more at Bloomberg Commodities News

Yen Declines as Company Profit Outlook, Equities Spur Carry Trades

(Bloomberg) -- The yen fell on speculation profit
growth will support stock prices, prompting investors to borrow
in Japan and buy equities elsewhere.

The yen slid against all 16 most-active currencies this week
as investors added to so-called carry trades, taking advantage of
Japan's interest rate, the lowest among industrialized nations.
The Japanese currency also dropped after China raised rates to
cool economic growth, prompting speculation demand for Japanese
exports in its third-largest market will slow.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

Futures signal weak start on liquidity worry

(Reuters) - In takeover news, Rupert Murdoch told Reuters on Wednesday he had no plan to raise his News Corp.'s bid for Dow Jones & Co. Inc. and said he is waiting for final approval of the proposed acquisition from the Bancroft family, which controls the publisher of the Wall Street Journal.




A weak Japanese currency has allowed investors to borrow cheaply in yen to buy higher-yielding assets elsewhere, a practice known as carry trade. The yen rose on Wednesday against the dollar and euro.


Read more at Reuters.com Business News