SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian shares edged ahead on Thursday after Wall Street got a boost from strong retail results, while bonds retreated as U.S. policy makers sounded conflicted on whether to cut interest rates as sharply as markets were wagering.

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar held gains on Thursday after minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting hosed down some aggressive expectations the central bank would embark on a series of deep interest rate cuts.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Thursday following a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, but gains in fuel inventories and persistent concerns over the global economy and future demand outlook capped gains.

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was on the defensive on Wednesday, elbowed off a three-week peak by a reversal in U.S. yields as they headed south again ahead of a meeting of central bankers, at which the Federal Reserve is expected to give clues on further rate cuts.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Prices for Brent oil rose above $60 a barrel for the first time in over a week on Wednesday amid data that showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, but ongoing worries about a global economic recession capped gains.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Asian shares flatlined on Wednesday as worries about global recession and endless trade wars vied with hopes for a lot more monetary and fiscal stimulus to keep growth going.