Currency Updates:
U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) was mixed gaining against most currencies courtesy of the Euro weakness but lost ground against commodities which all recovered. Stock markets rallied around the world with bargain hunters taking advantage of the recent pullback. In US stocks, DJIA +45 points closing at 12684, S& P +6 points closing at 1346 and NASDAQ +15 points closing at 2843. Looking ahead, April Import Prices forecast at 1.8% vs. 2.7% previously.
The Euro (EUR) a brief recovery rally was abruptly ended in the European session when S& P cut Greece& rsquo s rating. The March German Trade Balance was very strong at 15.2b vs. 12.5bn previously. The market found support under 1.4300 and was able to bounce in the US to roughly opening levels. Overall the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.4253 and a high of 1.4443 before closing the day around 1.4370 in the New York session. Looking ahead, Q2 Swiss Consumer Confidence forecast at 10.
The Japanese Yen (JPY) the Yen was sold against most currencies to begin the day but the US session saw crosses fall back to opening levels with the market struggling to hold onto gains. EUR/JPY slumped to Y115 but was able to find support and consolidate. Overall the USD/JPY traded with a low of 80.16 and a high of 80.84 before closing the day around 80.30 in the New York session.
The Sterling (GBP) April UK Halifax HPI fell 1.4% m/m and kept the recovery limited. When Greece was downgraded the Pound fell in sympathy but was able to rebound to opening levels as well later in the US session. Overall the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.6270 and a high of 1.6406 before closing the day at 1.6395 in the New York session.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) the Aussie did well tracking the stock markets higher and shrugging off the Euro weakness. Commodities led by Oil and Gold helped the Aussie to break briefly above 1.0800 but this level proved solid resistance. Overall the AUD/USD traded with a low of 1.0708 and a high of 1.0813 before closing the day at 1.0795 in the New York session. UPDATE March Trade Balance soars 1740mn vs. 438mn forecast.
Oil & Gold (XAU) was well supported throughout the day as silver bounced aggressively. Overall trading with a low of USD$1493 and high of USD $1514 before ending the New York session at USD$1513 an ounce. Oil was bought from the open to rally back above $100 and surge to $103 before easing back in aggressive move. WTI Oil Closed +$5.37 at $102.55 a barrel.
