The Japanese yen has hit its highest level against the US dollar since the end of the Second World War.

The yen climbed as high as 76.25 against the dollar in US trading on Wednesday. In Asia on Thursday, it was closer to 79.42.

China’s manufacturing blew up at a quicker rate in March, rewarding an economical rally in the awaken of a record enlargement of accredit that today runs a risk bubbles inward the country’s plus marketplaces.

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama said on Wednesday he would keep consumer protection at the heart of his proposed overhaul of financial regulation, despite suffering a serious political setback in the U.S. Senate.

Dollar, yen hold near week's highs vs euro, Aussie, kiwi * Dollar briefly hits 2-month low vs yen By Kaori Kaneko TOKYO, May 14 (Reuters) - The yen and dollar held near some of their strongest levels this week on Thursday after bleak U.S. retail sales data rekindled worries about the economy, prompting investors to reduce bets on riskier assets.

The euro hit a one-month low against the dollar and a three-week trough versus the yen on Monday due to uncertainty over policy steps the European Central Bank may take.