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US dollar eases after soft economic data; yen inches higher
The U.S. dollar drifted lower against most currencies on Thursday, pressured by softening data in the world's largest economy that backs expectations the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates this year. The yen edged up from a 38-year low against the greenback following the U.S. numbers, even as traders remained on high alert for any signs of Japanese intervention to prop up the currency. U.S. reports showed that jobless claims for state unemployment benefits dropped to 233,000 for the week ended June 22. However, the number of people receiving benefits after an initial week of aid increased 18,000 to ... (full story)