- BOJ offers quake-aid loans, cuts Japan economy assessment -Bloomberg
- BOJ Gov Shirakawa: Want to start new loan scheme for quake-hit banks in May
- Fed’s Pianalto: Economic conditions, low inflation trend warrant continuation of current monetary policy stance
- German economic institutes expect ECB to raise rates in Q2, should be cautious on further steps due to delicate situation
- German Dep ForMin Hoyer: Portugal decision to take EU aid is right and responsible
- Greek 2010 budget deficit will be clearly over 10% of GDP – Reuters source
- Spain sells 4130 mln of new 3 year bond
- French February trade balance -6.553 bln, worse than median forecast of -5.7 bln
Precious little net change so far this morning, market effectively becalmed awaiting ECB and BOE rate decisions.
EUR/USD down at 1.4275 from early 1.4300 having been as low as 1.4267. Model funds have been seen trimming their long positions and light stops were tripped on move through 1.4280.
Cable up marginally at 1.6325 from early 1.6300. Did experience dip below 1.6300 in very early Europen trade as UK clearer with strong Far Eastern ties offloaded hefty half a yard. But decent buying of GBP/JPY and selling of EUR/GBP then ensued lending cable much-needed support.
EUR/GBP down at .8743 from early .8775. Selling of the cross by large UK pharmaceutical company for dividend purposes cited.
USD/JPY slightly easier at 85.10 from early 85.25. Decent sell orders remain layered from 85.50 up through 86.00.
AUD/USD up marginally at 1.0475 from early 1.0455. UK real money seen buying this morning. Barrier option interest noted up at 1.0500.
