Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The US economy recorded increases in personal income, savings and spending.  However, the largest gain in the savings rate in 15 years saw the Dow edge lower to 8,438.39.  

The Nikkei closed Friday with a 0.8 percent gain to 9,877.39 on better profit forecasts from Bridgestone, the world’s largest tiremaker and Nippon Electric, the third largest producer of glass for flat panels.

The Dollar (USD) declined against the Euro (EUR) and the Yen (JPY) on calls from China to find an alternative global currency.  USD fell to 95.18 against JPY and 1.4056 against EUR, according to reports

BBN/SS/SI/AD-28June09-2:30 pm (BST)