Yen Drops Most in 9 Weeks on BOJ Stimulus View, U.S. Economy

The yen fell the most in nine weeks versus the dollar as speculation the Bank of Japan will boost monetary stimulus sapped demand for the nation’s assets as a haven.

The Japanese currency weakened versus all but one of its 16 most-traded counterparts as U.S. retail sales rose more than forecast in September and housing starts jumped 15 percent. The euro reached its highest level against the greenback in a month after Spain kept its investment-grade credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service, easing concern the region’s debt crisis is worsening. The Federal Reserve is forecast to maintain its bond-buying stimulus plan at its policy meeting Oct. 24.