EghtesadOnline: Oil extended its retreat from a seven-week high on supply concerns, while the dollar weakened versus major peers as traders weighed prospects for a U.S. interest-rate hike this year. European shares rose as data showed economic activity in France picked up this month.

EghtesadOnline: The dollar held firm on Friday, supported by comments from a senior Federal Reserve official suggesting a U.S. interest rate increase this year is still a real possibility as inflation pressures emerge.

EghtesadOnline: The dollar stood tall in Asian trading on Monday, after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's upbeat comments on the U.S. economy prompted traders to raise their expectations of an interest rate increase.

EghtesadOnline: Most Asian share markets tumbled on Monday while the U.S. dollar added to gains made after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated a U.S. interest rate increase remains on the cards for this year.