Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – US equity markets declined on falling commodity prices and higher than expected economic contraction, pushing the Dow lower to 8,612.13, down 187.13 points.

Demand for the Yen (JPY) and the Dollar (USD) rose as investors turned to safer assets in the face of declining equity markets worldwide.

USD touched 1.3749 against the Euro (EUR), the highest since the end of May. JPY rose to a two week high of 133.24 against EUR, and peaked at 97.01 against USD, according to reports.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-16June09-1:40 pm (BST)