Japan stocks hit by strong yen, China inflation picks up

HONG KONG: Japanese stocks retreated Thursday on the back of a stronger yen as traders consider the prospect of low US interest rates until the end of the year, while easing Chinese producer inflation offered hope for the world's number two economy.

Another rise in US equities, which put the S&P 500 within spitting distance of a record high, was not enough to spur regional traders as profit-taking took hold following recent gains.