Currency Updates:
U.S. Dollar Trading (US) surged against a number of currencies to trade at multi-month highs, as increased risk aversion prompted demand for the dollar as a safe haven. Global share markets slumped following fears the US and European economies were at risk of heading into another recession. US share markets took a beating on Thursday with the Dow Jones down 391 points (-3.51%), NASDAQ down 82.50 points (-3.29%) and the S& P down 51.97 points (-3.29%). Despite initial jobless claims only falling by 9K jobs to 423K, concerns of a global slowdown highlighted by poor HSBC Chinese PMI reading of 49.4 (Previous 49.9) during the Asian session of trade, ensured equity markets worldwide ending their respective trading days heavily in the red trading at 13month lows. All focus will be on the G20 Summit held in Washington this weekend, with preliminary reports in Friday&rsquo s Asian morning, indicating a commitment to co-operation on the Euro Debt crisis.
The Euro (EUR) was significantly weaker on ongoing debt concerns, with the euro easing from levels above 1.3580, to lows near 1.3380. A disastrous showing in euro stocks did little to boost confidence, with the German DAX down 5.0%, whilst the French CAC fell 5.2%. The Eurozone PMI release failed to boost sentiment, seen at 49.2, its lowest reading since July 2009.  
The Japanese Yen (JPY) whipped around its common 60 point range between 76.10 to 76.58, with little news out of the country due on Friday, as markets will be closed for holiday.  
The Sterling (GBP) was also heavily sold on Thursday trading from levels above 1.5500 to lows of 1.5330, as the FTSE fell by 4.7% on ongoing global recession fears.  
The Australian Dollar (AUD) was the worst performing currency on Wednesday, smashing back below the key $1 level trading from level of 1.0074 to lows of 0.9692. The AUD was battered on its role as risk appetite currency, and its dual role as a commodity currency.
Oil & Gold (XAU) XAU fell US$66.40 an ounce to levels of $1,741.70, While Crude oil fell by US $5.41 to $80.41 a barrel.