World Stocks Mixed, Japan's Nikkei up as Yen Falls

By: AP Email

Posted: Mon 4:25 AM, Feb 18, 2013

BANGKOK (AP) - Japan's benchmark stock index jumped today after Group of 20 finance officials refrained from directly criticizing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government for trying to force down the yen. Other Asian stock markets were mixed and European markets fell in early trading.

Currency policy was center stage at the weekend meeting in Moscow of finance ministers and central bankers from the world's 20 biggest advanced and emerging economies. Japan's currency was of particular interest because Abe has repeatedly said that he wants a cheaper yen to help manufacturers compete.

Analysts say the absence of criticism left Abe room to pursue his agenda.

Benchmark crude oil fell to remain below $96 per barrel. The dollar rose against the euro and the yen.

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