Vietnam’s Dong Drops to Lowest Close in 18 Years

The Vietnamese dong declined to the lowest close in almost 18 years, on speculation a widening trade deficit may prompt downward adjustments to the reference rate. Bonds advanced.

The trade shortfall reached $1.15 billion in March from a revised $1.11 billion in February, even after the government devalued the currency by 7 percent last month. The dong’s weakness has stoked import costs, contributing to the fastest inflation since November 2008.