With back to the wall, [B]Paulson[/B] states that US and Chinese counterparts are looking for tangible results. Time is of the essence.
[B]Japan[/B][B]s debt rating[/B] raised to AA from AA, one level higher and the third highest grade. Upgrade was based on a restored banking system as the economy is set to grow about 2 percent. Sets environment for further rate hike potential.
[B]Japan[/B] is heavily considering establishing a special investment fund, modeled off of Singapore Temasek Holdings. Plan formulated to mitigate potential impact of an aging population.
Sarkozy and Royal win first rounds, head off to May 6 [B]French presidential elections[/B].
[B][/B]
[B]ECBs Garganas[/B] denies rumors that he had stated the strengthening of the euro will make the prospect of rate hikes more distant.
[B]ECBs Draghi [/B]remains very vigilant on inflationary pressures in the Eurozone
[B]UK[/B][B] March M4 money supply[/B] rise 1 percent on the monthly comparison, vaulting higher by 12.8 percent much higher than expected.
[B]Pound sterling[/B] drops below the $2 figure.
[B]Australian first quarter producer price index[/B] was lower than expected, coming in flat for the month over month comparison.