The carry trade was on chopping block again today. News that Freddie Mac – the US government-sponsored mortgage financial company – recorded a $3.56 billion loss in the fourth quarter further stirred up doubt in the health of the credit market. Aside from the risk association, data played its part for the carry currencies. Japanese retail trade rose through January – though primarily due to rising prices. The franc found fuel in 2.7 percent rise in fourth quarter hiring which brought overall employment to its highest level or records going back to 1991.