Dollar Rises to Strongest Since 2009 Versus Yen Before Payrolls

The dollar rose to the strongest since August 2009 against the yen before a U.S. report that analysts said will show employers stepped up hiring last month, adding to signs the world’s biggest economy is gaining momentum.

The Dollar Index approached the highest since August on speculation an improving labor market will convince the Federal Reserve to end its program of asset purchases known as quantitative easing. The yen dropped at least 0.6 percent against all its 16 major counterparts as a government report showed Japan’s current-account deficit widened in January. Sweden’s krona fell from a six-month high against the euro after industrial production declined.