The dollar stayed strong but metal markets buckled badly on Thursday, as signs that China was resorting to credit-fueled stimulus again and trade jitters helped drive its currency to a one-year low. SEE MORE The dollar advanced after an upbeat assessment on the U.S. economy from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, helping spur declines across commodities and emerging-market currencies. Stocks in Europe climbed and S&P 500 futures were little changed. SEE MORE The world's major stock markets were mostly firmer on Wednesday as a bullish outlook from the head of the U.S. central bank buoyed the dollar, lifted bond yields and sent safe-haven gold to a one-year trough. SEE MORE The euro fell and the yen slid to a six-month low on Wednesday as the dollar extended its rally following bullish comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell about the strength of the U.S. economy. SEE MORE Six Southeast Asian countries, led by Laos, have much higher external debt levels than the developing world average, sparking concern that the region may be heading for a debt crisis. SEE MORE