Reuters

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices fell for a third straight session on Wednesday on expectations the Federal Reserve could keep U.S. interest rates higher for longer due to sustained inflation, potentially impacting fuel use in the world's largest oil consumer.

Brent crude futures were down 43 cents, or 0.5%, to $82.45 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) futures slipped 50 cents, or 0.6%, to $78.16. Oil prices settled about 1% lower on... (continue reading...)

By Brigid Riley

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was steady against a handful of peers on Wednesday, as the market assessed calls for patience from Federal Reserve officials and awaited the publication of Fed minutes for more insight on the central bank's path.

Meanwhile, the kiwi inched up as traders awaited the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's monetary policy decision.

With little to drive the market in terms of economic data... (continue reading...)

By Tetsushi Kajimoto

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's exports rose for a fifth straight month in April, helped by a boost in value from the weak yen, government data showed on Wednesday, but shipment volumes struggled as soft external demand weighed on growth.

Policymakers are counting on exports to offset weak domestic consumption. However, export volumes have remained soft with Japan's biggest trading partner China struggling to stage a... (continue reading...)

By Junko Fujita

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average will rise 4.6% by year end, supported by a firm corporate outlook and a solid global economy, according to equity market strategists in a Reuters poll.

The Nikkei is forecast to trade at 40,750 at the end of this year, according to the median estimate of 16 analysts polled May 13-21, up from Tuesday's close of 38,946.93.

Gains have been capped recently as... (continue reading...)

By Matt Spetalnick and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a "near final set of arrangements" for a defense pact that includes a civil nuclear component but obstacles remain for a broader regional deal that would normalize relations between Israel and Riyadh, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.

The official said the bilateral deal was "more or less complete," but cautioned that certain elements,... (continue reading...)