Markets & Finance News

China's copper imports in December fell for a third straight month, customs data showed on Thursday, as construction and manufacturing demand was not enough to offset the closure of an arbitrage window that made 2020 a record year for shipments.

China's exports grew more than expected in December as global demand for Chinese goods remained solid, while import growth quickened, customs data showed on Thursday.

U.S. oil and gas producer Chesapeake Energy's Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan was approved by a U.S. judge on Wednesday, giving lenders control of the firm and ending a contentious trial.

The following table shows rates for Asian currencies against the dollar at 0208 GMT. Currency Latest bid Previous day Pct Move Japan yen 103.840 103.85 +0.01 Sing dlr 1.326 1.3265 +0.06 Taiwan dlr 27.980 28.445 +1.66 Korean won 1099.400 1095.1 -0.39 Baht 29.990 30.05 +0.20 Peso 48.045 48.07 +0.05 Rupiah 14060.000 14055 -0.04 Rupee 73.145

* Japan's economy picking up, headed for improvement - Kuroda

Shares of Affirm Holdings Inc, founded by PayPal Holdings Inc's co-founder Max Levchin, almost doubled in their Nasdaq debut on Wednesday, valuing the U.S. provider of installment loans to online shoppers at over $23 billion.

The dollar extended its rebound from near three-year lows versus major peers on Thursday, supported by higher U.S. yields, as President-elect Joe Biden prepared to outline his plans for massive fiscal stimulus. The dollar index held onto gains made on Wednesday in early Asian trading as investors continued to unwind bearish bets. The dollar has risen in four of the past five trading s

President Donald Trump has signed an order strengthening a November ban on U.S. investments in alleged Chinese military companies, the White House said on Wednesday, curbing Chinese access to U.S. capital markets days before he leaves office.

Japan's core machinery orders unexpectedly rose for a second straight month in November, data showed on Thursday, although a renewed coronavirus emergency in Tokyo and 10 other areas

Singapore Airlines has raised $500 million in its first U.S. dollar bond issue, which the company will use to buy new aircraft as the global aviation industry prepares for a post-pandemic travel rebound.