GLOBAL MARKETS: Shares weaken on growth concerns, China data eyed
HONG KONG, April 15 (Reuters) - Shares in Asia's developed stock markets dipped and the dollar struggled at 16-month lows on Friday as disappointing U.S. data and a likely pickup in Chinese inflation gave market players an excuse to take profits after a recent sharp rally.
"The market overshot and profit-taking moves are expected," said Yoo Kyung-ha, a market analyst at Dongbu Securities.
OIL: Crude rises for 3rd day toward $109/bbl
TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures extended gains for a third day on Friday, supported by the dollar hovering at 16-month lows and no clear end to fighting in Libya that has cut supplies from the OPEC nation.
Saudi Shi'ites in the oil-producing east took to the streets in protest, calling for the release of prisoners and an end to human rights violations.
NATURAL GAS: Natural gas ends up near 2 pct after supportive EIA
NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - Front-month U.S. natural gas futures reversed course and ended higher on Thursday after a government report showed a weekly inventory build well below market expectations.
"Prices moved up after the (EIA build) number, but on a weather-adjusted basis, I don't think it was as supportive as some people think," a Massachusetts trader said, noting the unexpectedly light build triggered short covering by funds.
EURO COAL: June Newcastle cargoes trade at $120.50/T
LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Physical coal and coal swaps values were little changed on Thursday, regaining some earlier losses after U.S. oil rose by 41 cents following a Sunoco refinery fire and the dollar weakened on an unexpected rise in jobless claims
"We're still getting offers of American coal but I don't think anybody wants or needs it," one utility source said.
COMMODITIES: Crude, precious up; Chinese inflation hits metals
NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - Commodity markets were mixed on Thursday, with precious metals and oil rising on the back of a weaker dollar and copper falling 1 percent on reports of quickening inflation in top consumer China.
"Especially in copper, there's a fear of possible rate hikes in China," Eugen Weinberg, an analyst at Commerzbank, said.
S.Korea's March LNG, coal imports jump y/y
SEOUL, April 15 (Reuters) - South Korea hiked liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal imports in March from a year ago as the world's second-largest buyer after Japan boosted consumption on economic recovery and helped Japan with LNG and coal supplies after last month's quake.
Bullish oil prices also spurred LNG and coal demand for power generation, industry experts said.
Oil has room to rise before recession kills demand
LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - Oil could climb well above $150 a barrel before it tips the developed world into recession, leaving some scope for producer nations to carry on earning petrodollars without destroying fuel demand.
Representatives of consumer countries have said prices are already high enough to dent fuel use, although the International Energy Agency and OPEC both kept their 2011 oil demand growth forecasts unchanged in reports this week.
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